UP scientists find plant growth-promoting bacteria in roots of bamboo and corn

Scientists from the University of the Philippines Diliman identified bacterial strains from roots of bamboo and corn grown in Cagayan province, which can be used to develop cheaper and safer alternatives to chemical fertilizers. 

In the study conducted by Camille Andrea Flores, Maria Auxilia Siringan, and Mary Ann Cielo Relucio-San Diego, 27 bacterial strains were collected and identified through DNA analysis. Enterobacter roggenkampii B1-01 and Klebsiella oxytoca B1-04 showed all the plant growth-promoting traits. 

“Corn is one of the most in-demand grains in the world and the second most valuable staple in the Philippines. Bamboo is an economically significant and high-value crop in the country, with the Philippines being the fifth leading exporter of bamboo globally. Increasing the yield of these crops could boost our economy,” Relucio-San Diego said in a statement. 

“If these microorganisms can be developed into a biofertilizer, they could help farmers improve the yield and quality of their crops,” she added. 

But the scientists noted that before using these strains to produce commercial biofertilizers, it is important to ensure that the microorganisms do not carry genes associated with human diseases or antimicrobial resistance. 

“Given the potential risks associated with the use of opportunistic PGPB (plant growth-promoting bacteria) in the field, researchers suggested implementing a safety evaluation of the strains through several steps,” the study read. “These include the determination of the genotypic and phenotypic traits related to virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, as well as in vitro and in vivo testing of pathogenic potential in plants and animals.” 

Commercial production of biofertilizers may need additional funding, manpower, and appropriate facilities, the scientists said.

They added that pot experiments could help in determining the viability of the bacteria strains for commercial production of biofertilizers. 

“During pot experiments, the microorganisms are introduced to a specific plant model to assess their effects on plant growth (e.g., root elongation, increased biomass, stem elongation, etc.). These experiments must then be verified through appropriate tests before progressing to field trials. Only after successful field trials can these strains be developed into commercial biofertilizers,” the statement from UPD College of Science read. —VBL, GMA Integrated News