Assessment of genetic diversity and plant growth promoting attributes of psychrotolerant bacteria allied with wheat (Triticum aestivum) from the northern hills zone of India

Using a set of synthetic oligonucleotides homologous to broadly conserved sequences in-vitro amplification via the polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing results in almost complete nucleotide determination of a gene coding for 16S ribosomal RNA. As a model system the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of M.kansasii was determined and found to be 98.7% homologous to that of M.bovis BCG. This is the first report on a contiguous sequence information of an entire amplified gene spanning 1.5 kb without any subcloning procedures.

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are associated with plant roots and augment plant productivity and immunity; however, recent work by several groups shows that PGPR also elicit so-called 'induced systemic tolerance' to salt and drought. As we discuss here, PGPR might also increase nutrient uptake from soils, thus reducing the need for fertilizers and preventing the accumulation of nitrates and phosphates in agricultural soils. A reduction in fertilizer use would lessen the effects of water contamination from fertilizer run-off and lead to savings for farmers.