Zn-mobilizing bacteria improve shoot biomass and zinc content in wheat

Abstract Enhancing zinc (Zn) content in wheat grains by using Zn-mobilizing rhizosphere bacteria is becoming an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional approaches such as chemical fertilization. Our study aimed to isolate, screen and evaluate Zn-mobilizing rhizosphere bacteria to improve its content in wheat biomass. Wheat rhizosphere soils were collected in several wheat planted soils in Ethiopia and Zn-solubilizing bacteria were isolated and screened for their plant beneficial traits. Isolates W8A, W25A and W63B were selected. Pot experiments were conducted in sterilized river sand supplemented with 0. 05% zinc oxide by using these isolates. The experiment consisted of nine treatments in complete randomized design with four replications. Data were means of three independent experiments. W8A, W25A and W63B exhibited zinc solubilization index 4. 0. Consortium inoculation showed the highest improvements in plant growth. Inoculations improved shoot length and dry weigh on average by 67. 4% and 84. 2%, respectively compared to the control. On average, 90. 2% root and 75. 5% shoot Zn content increased compared to the untreated control. Hence, the isolates can be applied for Zn bio-fortification in wheat to combat Zn deficiencies in food grains.