Modulation in Plant Growth and Drought Tolerance of Wheat Crop upon Inoculation of Drought-tolerant-Bacillus Species Isolated from Hot Arid Soil of India

Drought is one of the most detrimental environmental stressors to plants with potential decrease crop yields and affect agricultural sustainability. Native bacteria beneficial traits enhance plant growth help avoid reverse effects drought in a greater extent. In present study, we aimed ( i ) isolate drought-tolerant Bacillus isolates from rhizosphere soil wheat grown at different locations Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan state (ii) further evaluate their ability induce tolerance Var. HD-2967) under stress conditions. Of more than 100 isolates, two putative capable tolerating 30 % polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) [equivalent -9.80 MPa (Megapascal)] were identified as altitudinis DT-89 paramycoides DT-113. These exhibited promoting (PGP) attributes such phosphate solubilization, production siderophore, exopolysaccharide, ammonia, indole acetic acid cytokinin low osmotic 10% PEG-6000 but shown variable response higher particularly 30% PEG-6000. However, they did not show any antifungal activity was negative for solubilization. strains, B. function prominently respect promotion early stage protective DT-113 prominent after 75 days evident by increased EPS (164%), root dry weight (144.44%), chlorophyll content (90.26%), SOD (389%) proline (99.3%). The results support both strains candidate alleviate regions.