Identification and Characterization of Bacillus subtilis B9: A Diazotrophic Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from Sugarcane Root

Abstract Plant endophytic microorganisms, which can enhance plant growth and resistance to biotic abiotic stresses, are untapped resources with large potential applications for crop production. However, the community is influenced by multiple factors, such as host genetics, environment, other microbes. Thus, it important characterize well-adapted endophytes from native crops. We isolated 43 bacteria sugarcane cultivar Yunzhe-99-91. All these isolates were examined in vitro nitrogenase activity ability dissolve phosphorus produce siderophore. One of strains, B9, identified Bacillus subtilis showed maximum promotion, was selected detailed studies. B9 promoted production organic acids propionic acid, acetic malic acid citric phytohormones, including indole-3-acetic cytokinin, 6-benzyladenine, zeatin. Moreover, significantly plantlets increased content nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium seedlings 29.26%, 50.78%, 15.49%, respectively. The photosynthetic rate, root development, chlorophyll also improved varying degrees compared non-inoculated control. cotyledon hypocotyl gems germinated faster when co-cultured strain control group. Colonization assay that mainly colonized roots, followed stems leaves. In conclusion, positive interaction between may provide long-lasting benefits a direction developing utilizing biofertilizer cultivation decrease fertilizer application.