1*Microbiologist, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat, India. Mail ID: patelketul127@gmail.com. Orcid id: 0009-0008-5182-1366
2Biomedical Scientist, Saurashtra University, Gujarat, India. Mail ID: dharmishtha.bioscientist3112@gmail.com. Orcid ID: 0009-0007-8603-9449
3M.Sc (Microbiology), Charotar Institute of Science and Technology, Gujarat, India. Mail ID: pateljimit1431999@gmail.com
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve soil health, nutrient availability, and plant development, all of which are critical components of sustainable agriculture. While fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinally and nutritionally important crop, limited information is available on the effectiveness of cross-species rhizobacteria isolated from non-fenugreek hosts when applied to fenugreek cultivation systems. In the study, rhizobacteria were isolated from tomato and wheat rhizospheric soils and characterized for important characteristics that promote plant growth, such as the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), biofilm formation, motility, volatile compound production (HCN and H₂S), antibiotic sensitivity, and interaction with the fenugreek secondary metabolite diosgenin. Pot experiments and root colonization assays were conducted to assess early plant growth responses and bacterial colonization ability. Among the isolates, UT3 exhibited the highest IAA production, while all isolates showed comparable biofilm-forming ability. None of the isolates produced HCN or H₂S, and diosgenin showed no inhibitory effect on rhizobacterial growth. Antibiotic sensitivity assays revealed resistance to tetracycline and sensitivity to ampicillin and kanamycin. Pot experiments confirmed successful seed germination and early seedling establishment of fenugreek; however, extended growth promotion could not be evaluated due to environmental constraints. Root colonization by the isolates was limited under the experimental conditions. The findings suggest that cross-species rhizobacteria possess select plant growth–promoting traits but exhibit limited root colonization in fenugreek. Host compatibility and colonization efficiency are critical factors for effective application of PGPR-based bio-inoculants in fenugreek cultivation.
Keywords: Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria; Fenugreek; Indole-3-acetic acid; Biofilm formation; Cross-species inoculation
How to cite this article: Patel K, Bhensdadiya DV, Patel J. Characterization Of Rhizobacteria Isolates For Fenugreek Growth. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(5s): 972-980; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5s.120
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None