LEAD-TOLERANT RHIZOBACTERIA ENHANCE GROWTH OF OKRA UNDER HEAVY METAL STRESS
AbstractDeclining soil fertility has emerged as a critical global concern in the face of rapid population growth and increasing food demand. Among the major factors contributing to reduced soil productivity is heavy metal contamination, with lead (Pb) recognised as one of the most toxic pollutants affecting both soil health and crop yield. In this study, rhizobacteria were isolated from soils collected near battery factories and screened for their tolerance to Pb. A total of five Pb-tolerant isolates were obtained and evaluated for their maximum tolerance levels. Biochemical characterization and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) trait analysis revealed that three isolates exhibited significant PGPR activities. These three promising strains were subsequently tested in pot experiments using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) as a pot experiment. Inoculation with Pb-tolerant PGPR enhanced plant growth under lead stress, demonstrating their potential to mitigate heavy metal toxicity while simultaneously improving crop performance. This work highlights the dual role of Pb-tolerant rhizobacteria in restoring soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture in contaminated environment.
Article Information
15
2133-2139
710 KB
5
English
IJPSR
Shreya Verma, Ayushi Shahu, Ajay Kumar Gupta and Manishi Tripathi *
Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
manishitripathi@csjmu.ac.in
29 January 2026
19 March 2026
24 April 2026
10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.17(7).2133-39
01 July 2026
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