Microbial-enhanced Selenium and Iron Biofortification of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) - Applications in Phytoremediation and Biofortification |
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Authors: | Muhammad Yasin Ali Farag El-Mehdawi Aneela Anwar Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits Muhammad Faisal |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan;2. Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;3. Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;4. Institute of Agricultural science, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan |
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Abstract: | Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and other mammals. Most dietary Se is derived from crops. To develop a Se biofortification strategy for wheat, the effect of selenate fertilization and bacterial inoculation on Se uptake and plant growth was investigated. YAM2, a bacterium with 99% similarity to Bacillus pichinotyi, showed many plant growth promoting characteristics. Inoculation with YAM2 enhanced wheat growth, both in the presence and absence of selenate: YAM2-inoculated plants showed significantly higher dry weight, shoot length and spike length compared to un-inoculated plants. Selenate also stimulated wheat growth; Un-inoculated Se-treated plants showed a significantly higher dry weight and shoot length compared to control plants without Se. Bacterial inoculation significantly enhanced Se concentration in wheat kernels (167%) and stems (252%), as well as iron (Fe) levels in kernels (70%) and stems (147%), compared to un-inoculated plants. Inoculated Se-treated plants showed a significant increase in acid phosphatase activity, which may have contributed to the enhanced growth. In conclusion; Inoculation with Bacillus sp. YAM2 is a promising Se biofortification strategy for wheat and potentially other crops. |
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Keywords: | Bacillus pichinotyi wheat biofortification ICP-AES micronutrients |
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