Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 46-58 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 46 Research Insight Open Access Screening and Functional Verification of Pine Rhizosphere Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Yan Dong, Qiongdan Li Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: qiongdan.li@cuixi.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0006 Received: 19 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 28 Feb., 2024 Published: 11 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Dong and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Dong Y., and Li Q.D., 2024, Screening and functional verification of pine rhizosphere nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(2): 46-58 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0006) Abstract The study investigates the diversity and functionality of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere of pine trees. The research involved isolating and identifying nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the rhizosphere soil of pine trees and assessing their potential to enhance nitrogen availability and promote plant growth. Various bacterial strains were isolated and screened for nitrogenase activity, with a focus on their genetic and functional diversity. The findings revealed a significant presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including genera such as Burkholderia, Bradyrhizobium, and Pseudomonas, which are known for their nitrogen-fixing capabilities. The study highlights the potential of these bacteria to improve soil fertility and support sustainable forest management practices by enhancing nitrogen cycling in pine ecosystems. The results underscore the importance of microbial interactions in the rhizosphere and their role in promoting plant health and growth. Keywords Nitrogen-fixing bacteria; Pine rhizosphere; Soil fertility; Microbial diversity; Plant growth promotion 1 Introduction Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plant growth, yet it is often a limiting factor in many ecosystems. Biological nitrogen fixation, the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) by certain bacteria, plays a vital role in the nitrogen cycle. These nitrogen-fixing bacteria can be free-living in the soil or form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, particularly in the rhizosphere, the region of soil influenced by root secretions and associated microbial activity (Suarez et al., 2014; Beneduzi et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2020). The nifH gene, which encodes a key enzyme in the nitrogen fixation process, is commonly used as a marker to identify and study these bacteria (Singh et al., 2020). In pine ecosystems, the rhizosphere is a hotspot for microbial activity, including nitrogen fixation. Rhizosphere bacteria not only contribute to nitrogen availability but also enhance plant growth through various mechanisms such as producing growth hormones, solubilizing phosphates, and protecting plants from pathogens (Igiehon and Babalola, 2018; Rilling et al., 2018; Renoud et al., 2020). The presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere of pine trees can significantly impact soil fertility and plant health, making them crucial for the sustainability of these ecosystems (Franche et al., 2009; Zarezadeh et al., 2018; Ke et al., 2019). Understanding the diversity and functionality of these bacteria can lead to better management practices and the development of biofertilizers that reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, thereby mitigating environmental impacts (Li et al., 2017; Igiehon and Babalola, 2018). This study aims to screen and functionally verify nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere of pine trees. This involves isolating and identifying bacterial strains with nitrogen-fixing capabilities, assessing their potential to promote plant growth, and understanding their role in the pine rhizosphere. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the knowledge of microbial interactions in pine ecosystems and explore the potential application of these bacteria in sustainable forestry practices.
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