Biofertilization of canola seeds with Peribacillus simplex and Paenibacillus polymyxa bacteria increases tocopherol content

Abstract Background Biofertilization with plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) is a reliable strategy to reduce the amounts of chemical fertilizers applied to crops. Nevertheless, the effects of biofertilizers on plant chemical constituents that influence food quality and human health should be evaluated. Results Here, we analyze the effect of biofertilization with the strains of plant growth promoters Peribacillus simplex MRBN26 and Paenibacillus polymyxa MRBN45 on oil, fatty acid, and tocopherol content of canola seeds. Conclusion No statistically significant changes were found in either seed oil content or fatty acid profile after the inoculation with these strains; however, we found significant increases in the content of gamma tocopherol after the inoculation of both strains MRBN26 and MRBN45 and in alpha and total tocopherol content after the inoculation of the strain MRBN26. This is the first report about the increase of tocopherol content in canola oil through the inoculation with spore‐forming bacteria of the family Bacillaceae . The biofertilization with selected strains of these bacteria represents a good agricultural practice for enhancing the tocopherol content in canola oil which can be extended to other oil‐producing crops.