Unlocking the potential of newly isolated phytohormone-producing bacterial strains for enhanced plant growth and stress tolerance

The global population (presently 8.1 billion) is expanding exponentially at a rate of 1.59 % every year, and it is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050. This rapid growth, coupled with significant development, presents a major concern for feeding the population, as food production is only predicted to increase by 70 % by 2050. Microbial technology is a branch of biotechnology that advances ecological agriculture by combining microorganisms with emerging biotechnology techniques. A key driver of abiotic stress, which negatively impacts agricultural productivity to an irreversible level and threatens sustainable agriculture, is the global climate challenge. Saline, drought, severe heat, and other abiotic stresses induced by climate change adversely affect the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and metabolic features of plants. This ultimately inhibits plant growth, development, and productivity. However, the excessive use and improper application of agrochemicals are detrimental to the preservation of the environment and natural resources, impeding the development of sustainable agriculture. Due to their capacity to enhance soil quality and confer stress tolerance on plants, plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be used to promote sustainable agriculture through the rapid expansion of contemporary agriculture. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of newly isolated microbial strains for phytohormone production, organic acid generation, and oxidative stress tolerance. The microbes were isolated and selected based on their plant-growth-promoting traits, and their phytohormones were manipulated. The results revealed that all strains could produce different amounts of phytohormones and organic acids and enhance oxidative stress tolerance.