Researchers isolated 54 endophytic actinobacteria strains from roots of 12 mangrove species across five Thai provinces, screened phosphate and potassium solubilization, siderophore, indole, and ACC-deaminase traits, and tested two strains on rice seedlings.
Key findings
- Of 54 isolates, 20 solubilized phosphate, 9 potassium, 26 produced siderophores, and 22 indole compounds. One may represent a novel Gordonia species. Two ACC-deaminase-positive isolates significantly increased seedling growth, shoot and root length, and root weight as reported.
Why this matters globally
Mangrove microbes adapted to salinity and stress may provide biological tools for salt-affected or climate-stressed agriculture and potentially reduce some fertilizer use if field benefits are confirmed.
Thai researcher contribution
Kasetsart and Chulalongkorn researchers connected microbial diversity from Thai mangroves with crop productivity, from field sampling and isolation to seedling bioassays.
Limitations to consider
In vitro screens and seedlings do not capture field-soil competition. Replication, effect sizes, salinity conditions, and post-inoculation microbiomes are not reported. Taxonomic and safety assessment are essential because some represented genera include pathogens, along with formulation and stability tests.