Functional Characterization of Rhizobia for Multiple Plant Growth Promoting Activities

This research focuses on the functional characterization of 19 rhizobia strains isolated from Southern Rajasthan's Udaipur and Dungarpur districts, with an emphasis on their multiple Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) activities. Through a series of tests encompassing Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) production, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, this study elucidates the diverse PGP potential of these rhizobia strains. The results showcase variations in IAA production, highlighting their ability to enhance root development and overall plant growth, while also revealing strains capable of siderophore production, indicating potential iron uptake facilitation. Furthermore, some strains exhibit phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and HCN production capabilities, signifying their potential to improve nutrient availability and protect plants from pathogens. These findings underscore the promise of harnessing the PGP activities of these rhizobia strains for sustainable agricultural practices in Southern Rajasthan and similar agroecological regions, with implications for enhanced crop yields and soil health.

Morphological and Biochemical Changes in Moth Bean during Drought Stress

The current investigation on the repercussions of drought stress on the growth parameters of the Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) has been carried out in a semi-field condition. Two sets of local moth bean cultivars (RMO-40: fifteen in each) were prepared, and one was subjected to terminal drought stress. The rest was maintained with proper watering as a control set. The treated plants were thoroughly evaluated based on leaf length, root length, and relative leaf water content in comparison with the control ones. The findings of this study reveal a significant impact of drought stress on moth bean's growth and physiological performance. Under drought conditions, treated plants exhibited considerable reductions in leaf length and root length compared to their well-watered counterparts. Additionally, the relative leaf water content declined under drought stress, indicating decreased water uptake and retention within the plants under stress. These outcomes underscore the vulnerability of moth bean to drought stress, emphasizing the urgency of developing efficient water management strategies and drought-resistant varieties to safeguard food security in regions where this legume serves as a staple crop. This research highlights the importance of understanding the adverse effects of drought stress on moth bean's growth parameters for sustainable agriculture and food production.