Methylobacterium spp. to plant growth promotion of in Glycine max, Zea mays and Citrus sinensis

Abstract

Biofertilizers are products that contain microorganisms capable of promoting plant growth and increasing agricultural productivity. Plant growth promoting bacteria can be a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this context, methylotrophic bacteria of the genus Methylobacterium have great potential since they increase the growth of the host plant by providing nutrients and/or reducing biotic or abiotic stress. Thus, the objective of this project will be to evaluate the effect of Methylobacterium spp. on seed germination and plant growth of soybean (Glycine max), corn (Zea mays) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), aiming at the development of inoculants for these crops. For this, Methylobacterium spp. strains from the LABMEM/ICB/USP collection will be used, in addition to new isolates of Methylobacterium spp. that will be obtained from different host plants and soil. These bacteria will be identified by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and subsequently inoculated in seeds and seedlings of interest to evaluate plant growth. Furthermore, the ability to solubilize phosphates, fix nitrogen and produce auxin will be evaluated to understand the mechanisms involved in the Methylobacterium spp./host plant interaction. The results obtained will be important for the development of inoculants for agriculture, improving plant productivity with less dependence on chemical fertilizers.