Influence of the inoculation density of the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on the growth and the composition of the root microbial community of maize (Zea mays) and barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Summary At least 10⁵–10⁶ viable cells of the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2^* had to be applied per seed of maize cultivar Beaupré and barley cultivar Iban in order to obtain a beneficial effect on plant growth under greenhouse conditions. In pot experiments where an increase in plant growth, varying between 15% and 25%, was observed, the introduced strain 7NSK2^* constituted at least 20% of the bacterial root colonizers. This colonization provoked a shift in the fungal rhizospheric community. Due to the inoculation with 7NSK2, Penicillium spp. became the dominant isolates, while Trichoderma spp. were the dominant isolates in pot experiments with low and inefficient inoculum levels of 7NSK2^*.     

Relation between soil microbial activity and the effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on plant growth

Summary The relationship between the microbial activity in the soil and the effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 was evaluated in a series of pot experiments under greenhouse conditions. The microbial activity in plain soil, as measured by the respiratory activity, was significantly increased by the growth of the plants. Both the respiration rate of the microorganisms and the density of the bacteria and fungi in the bulk soil increased with increasing duration of the plant growth. Upon repeated short-term growth of plants on the same soil, a similar stimulation was noticed.The effect of seed inoculation on the growth of the maize cultivar Beaupré and the barley cultivar Iban was most pronounced in the microbiologically more active soils. The results suggest that the increase of the plant growth by seed inoculation is probably due to the inhibition of deleterious root microorganisms.     

Effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on the root microbiota of maize (Zea mays) and barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Summary The addition of sugars or amino acids to the soil gave rise to the development of different groups of microorganisms. The increase in the number of different groups of microorganisms in the soil had an influence on the microbiota in the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of maize and barley grown in that soil. Furthermore, growth of maize and barley decreased with increasing microbial activity and density in soil. This effect could be counteracted effectively by the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2. The beneficial effect of the strain 7NSK2 correlated inversely with the microbial activity, as measured by soil respiration, in the bulk-pretreated soil.The effect of seed inoculation with the rhizopseudomonad strain 7NSK2 on the root microbiota of maize and barley was evaluated. The strain 7NSK2 was capable of colonizing the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of the maize cultivar Beaupré and barley cultivar Than very effectively and of considerably altering their composition. The number of total bacteria, fungi, pseudomonads and coliform bacteria in the rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of both plants was strongly reduced by inoculating the seeds with the strain 7NSK2.     

Multifaceted beneficial effects of rhizosphere microorganisms on plant health and productivity

Plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and biological control agents (BCA) are shown to possess secondary beneficial effects that would increase their usefulness as bio-inoculants, regardless of the need for their primary function. Indeed, PGPM, such as Rhizobium and Glomus spp., can promote plant growth and productivity (primary effect) but have now been shown to also play a role in reducing disease (secondary effect). Conversely, BCA, such as Trichoderma and Pseudomonas spp., can control disease (primary effect) but have recently demonstrated stimulation of plant growth (secondary effect) in the absence of a pathogen. Further work shedding light onto the precise mode of action and ecophysiology of these microorganisms would assist with their timely and appropriate use and potentially unleash their full promise as beneficial rhizosphere bio-inoculants for improved growth and health of plants. The potential increased use of these microorganisms afforded by their multifaceted beneficial effects may further help in reducing problems associated with the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture.     

PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA INCREASE GROWTH,YIELD AND NITROGEN FIXATION IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS

Nitrogen (N) fixation by legume-Rhizobium symbiosis is important to agricultural productivity and is therefore of great economic interest. Growing evidence indicates that soil beneficial bacteria can positively affect symbiotic performance of rhizobia. The effect of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Rhizobium, on nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars was investigated in two consecutive years under field conditions. The PGPR strains Pseudomonas fluorescens P-93 and Azospirillum lipoferum S-21 as well as two highly effective Rhizobium strains were used in this study. Common bean seeds of three cultivars were inoculated with Rhizobium singly or in a combination with PGPR to evaluate their effect on nodulation and nitrogen fixation. A significant variation of plant growth in response to inoculation with Rhizobium strains was observed. Treatment with PGPR significantly increased nodule number and dry weight, shoot dry weight, amount of nitrogen fixed as well as seed yield and protein content. Co-inoculation with Rhizobium and PGPR demonstrated a significant increase in the proportion of nitrogen derived from atmosphere. These results indicate that PGPR strains have potential to enhance the symbiotic potential of rhizobia.     

Plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizo- and endosphere of plants: Their role, colonization, mechanisms involved and prospects for utilization

In both managed and natural ecosystems, beneficial plant-associated bacteria play a key role in supporting and/or increasing plant health and growth. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be applied in agricultural production or for the phytoremediation of pollutants. However, because of their capacity to confer plant beneficial effects, efficient colonization of the plant environment is of utmost importance. The majority of plant-associated bacteria derives from the soil environment. They may migrate to the rhizosphere and subsequently the rhizoplane of their hosts before they are able to show beneficial effects. Some rhizoplane colonizing bacteria can also penetrate plant roots, and some strains may move to aerial plant parts, with a decreasing bacterial density in comparison to rhizosphere or root colonizing populations. A better understanding on colonization processes has been obtained mostly by microscopic visualisation as well as by analysing the characteristics of mutants carrying disfunctional genes potentially involved in colonization. In this review we describe the individual steps of plant colonization and survey the known mechanisms responsible for rhizosphere and endophytic competence. The understanding of colonization processes is important to better predict how bacteria interact with plants and whether they are likely to establish themselves in the plant environment after field application as biofertilisers or biocontrol agents.     

外来入侵植物刺萼龙葵（Solanum rostratum Dunal）根际土壤真菌多样性及其次生代谢产物的化感作用研究

  目的  分析外来入侵植物刺萼龙葵根际土壤真菌群落多样性,了解其根际可培养真菌次生代谢产物的植物生长调节活性,并从中筛选具有开发为植物生长调节剂及生物除草剂潜力的菌株。  方法  采集刺萼龙葵根际土壤,提取总DNA,利用高通量测序技术分析土壤真菌群落多样性;同时,利用纯培养手段获得可培养真菌菌株,以乙酸乙酯萃取其发酵产物,并以单子叶植物早熟禾和双子叶植物反枝苋为受试植物,检测其次生代谢产物的促生/抑生活性。  结果  子囊菌门真菌广泛存在于刺萼龙葵根际土壤中,且占绝对优势。Alpha多样性分析发现,刺萼龙葵根际土壤中真菌群落有着非常高的多样性和丰富性。此外,菌株SR02、SR05和SR13对受试植物具有较强的生长抑制作用。  结论  刺萼龙葵根际土壤真菌优势类群明显,尖孢镰刀菌和链格孢在真菌群落中占优势地位;从根际土壤中发现多个具有显著生长促进或抑制作用的菌株,其在刺萼龙葵根际土壤中所起到的生理生态学意义,以及其次生代谢产物是否具有开发为植物生长调节剂及生物农药的潜力,值得进行深入的研究。     

Effect of manganese-reducing rhizosphere bacteria on the growth of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici and on manganese uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Five bacterial strains capable of Mn reduction were isolated from the rhizosphere of plants growing in different South Australian soils. They differed in their Mn-reducing capacity. The antagonism of these strains compared to the imported strain 2–79 (from the United States) against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici was tested in agar and in a soil sandwich experiment at different Mn²⁺ concentrations in the soil. In addition, wheat seeds were coated with the different strains and with MnSO₄ or with MnSO₄ only in order to investigate their effect on plant growth and Mn uptake. With one exception, all strains inhibited the growth of G. graminis in agar, but to different degrees. In contrast, only two strains significantly inhibited the growth of the fungus in the soil. The hyphal density was decreased more than the hyphal length. The Mn²⁺ concentration in the soil also had a marked effect on fungal growth; low Mn concentrations slightly increased while high Mn concentrations strongly decreased the fungal growth. Seed treatment with MnSO₄ only (+Mn) increased Mn uptake above that of the control (no seed treatment). Only the weakest Mn reducer on agar significantly increased plant growth and Mn uptake from soil in comparison with the Mn treatment. One strain was tested as seed coating without adding MnSO₄; it increased the plant growth to an extent similar to the Mn treatment. Increasing the Mn uptake by plants may be one of the growth-promoting effects exerted by rhizosphere bacteria.     

Biochar particle size and Rhizobia strains effect on the uptake and efficiency of nitrogen in lentils

Abstract

Biochar has attained significant attention as a beneficial soil amendment amongst growers and researchers. However, the impact of particle size of biochar is yet to be investigated. Here in the present study, we studied three particle sizes (<2?mm, 2–5?mm, and >5?mm) of biochar and two rhizobia strains (Rhizobium leguminoserum (RL) and Rhizogold (RG)) for their effect on the uptake and efficiency of nitrogen (N) in lentils. The two years experiment followed a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement replicated three times. The data revealed that grain N, straw N, N uptake, N recovery efficiency (NRE), and N agronomic efficiency (NAE) were maximum with biochar smallest size (<2?mm). However, the N physiological efficiency, number of branches and plant height decreased with reduced particle size. Furthermore, the smallest particle size showed more number of pod plant^?1. Biofertilizer strain (RL and RG) significantly increased the straw N but not the grain N. Both strains showed increased NRE and NAE, however, the RL demonstrated 7% more grain N than the RG. Both strains (RL and RG) demonstrated 16% and 20% increase in number of branches plant^?1, 62% and 48% in plant height and 2% and 5% in root length, respectively. The RL strain improved the number of branches plant^?1 at the lowest (<2?mm) and medium size (2–5?mm) particles size but both RL and RG strains demonstrated increased plant height under the maximum particle size. These results indicated that a mere increase in surface area with decreasing biochar particle size may not serve for enhancing biofertilizer strains performance since reducing particle size may immobilize the starter N applied. However, reducing particle size effect on N cycling into soil plant system was favorable.     

Potential of willow and its genetically engineered associated bacteria to remediate mixed Cd and toluene contamination

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate if bacteria with beneficial properties that were isolated from willow growing on a metal-contaminated site can be further equipped with genes coding for a specific degradation pathway to finally obtain transconjugants that can be inoculated in willow to improve phytoremediation efficiency of mixed contaminations.

Materials and methods

Cultivable rhizosphere bacteria and root endophytes were isolated from willow (cv. Tora) growing on a metal-contaminated soil. All isolated strains were tested for their metal resistance and potential to promote plant growth. The two most promising strains were selected and were equipped with the pTOM plasmid coding for toluene degradation. Both transconjugants were inoculated separately and combined in willow cuttings exposed to mixed Cd–toluene contamination, and their effect on phytotoxicity, Cd uptake, and toluene evapotranspiration was evaluated.

Results and discussion

Many of the isolated strains tested positive for the production of siderophores, organic acids, and indole acetic acid (IAA) and showed increased Cd resistance. The Cd-resistant, siderophore-producing rhizosphere strain Burkholderia sp. HU001 and the Cd-resistant root endophyte Pseudomonas sp. HU002, able to produce siderophores, organic acids, and IAA, were selected as receptors for conjugation with the toluene-degrading Burkholderia vietnamiensis BU61 as a donor of the pTOM-TCE plasmid. Although inoculation with the individual transconjugant strains had no effect on plant growth and negatively affected Cd uptake, their combined inoculation resulted in an increased shoot biomass upon Cd–toluene exposure did not affect Cd uptake and strongly reduced evapotranspiration of toluene to the atmosphere.

Conclusions

In this study, inoculation of willow with a consortium of plant-associated bacteria equipped with the appropriate characteristics resulted in an improved phytoremediation of a mixed Cd–toluene contamination: the degradation of toluene was improved leading to a decreased toxicity and evapotranspiration, while Cd uptake and translocation were not affected.     

Seed inoculation with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis> spp. improves seedling vigour in oil-seed plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> L.

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is a non-edible oil-seed plant with adaptability to marginal semi-arid lands and wastelands. The Indian Government is promoting jatropha to reduce dependence on the crude oil and to achieve energy independence by the year 2012, under the National Biodiesel Mission. Selected strains of Bacillus spp., either supplemented with or without chitin, were tested for their ability to promote growth of jatropha seedlings in pot culture studies. The strains supported growth of jatropha seedlings up to 42 days after sowing. Among all strains, Bacillus pumilus (IM-3) supplemented with chitin showed over all plant growth promotion effect resulting in enhanced shoot length (113%), dry shoot mass (360%), dry root mass (467%), dry total plant mass (346%), leaf area (256%), and chlorophyll content (74%) over control. Treating seeds with strain IM-3 without chitin resulted in enhanced dry shoot mass (473%), dry total plant mass (407%), and chlorophyll content (82%). However, Bacillus polymyxa (KRU-22) with chitin supported maximum root length (143%). Either strain IM-3 alone or in combination with other promising strains could be promoted further for enhanced initial seedling growth of jatropha.     

Deleterious properties of certain rhizosphere bacteria on field pea (Pisum sativum) under gnotobiotic and non-sterile conditions

Three strains of Pseudomonas putida, one non-fluorescent and two fluorescent, were investigated in a series of complementary experiments to characterise their inhibitory effects on peas under different environmental conditions. Firstly, a gnotobiotic growth pouch system was developed to observe the deleterious effects of the strains on pea root development. A negative impact of the strains was observed on the development of the root morphology using these pouches which was accompanied with a subsequent reduction in root biomass. By using this method it was concluded that the deleterious effect of one of the strains was dependent on the inoculum density. Secondly, two complementary studies in non-sterile growth systems where pea seeds/seedlings were inoculated with the bacteria, showed deleterious effects on plant biomass by two of the strains. Thirdly, by using a sterile plant growth system allowing microscopic observations on root hair development, all strains were found to be able to induce root hair deformations on pea seedlings. The results showed that the mode of action for the deleterious effect differ between the strains. Based on our findings, we would like to emphasise the necessity to include a palette of different sterile and non-sterile growth systems to be able to identify characteristics of importance for deleterious rhizosphere bacteria.     

Responses of Lentil to Co-Inoculation with Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizobial Strains and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of lentil (Lens culinariscv. ‘Ziba’) to co-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and some indigenous rhizobial strains varying in phosphorus (P)-solubilizing ability in a calcareous soil with high pH and low amounts of available P and nitrogen (N). A factorial experiment with completely randomized block design was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of (1) three inoculants of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strains and a mixed rhizobial inoculant with an effective P-solubilizer strain of Mesorhizobium ciceri, (2) two AM fungal species, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices, (3) two P sources, superphosphate and phosphate rock. Four replications were prepared for each treatment and a related control. After the growth period of three months, the dry matter of shoots plus seeds, their P and N contents, and percent of root colonized by AM fungus were measured. The results showed that the effects of AM fungi, rhizobial strains, and P fertilizers were highly significant (p < 0.01) for all the characteristics studied. The rhizobial strain with P-solubilizing ability showed a more beneficial effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake than the strain without this ability, although both strains had similar effectiveness for N₂-fixation in symbiosis with lentil. Synergistic relationships were observed between AM fungi and some rhizobial strains that related to the compatible pairing of these two microsymbionts. The P-uptake efficiency was increased when P fertilizers were applied along with AM fungi and/or P-solubilizer rhizobial strains.     

Beneficial elements for agricultural crops and their functional relevance in defence against stresses

The beneficial elements are not deemed essential for all crops but may be vital for particular plant taxa. The distinction between beneficial and essential is often difficult in the case of some trace elements. Elements such as aluminium (Al), cobalt (Co), sodium (Na), selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) are considered beneficial for plants. These elements are not critical for all plants but may improve plant growth and yield. Pertinently, beneficial elements reportedly enhance resistance to abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, high temperature, cold, UV stress, and nutrient toxicity or deficiency) and biotic stresses (pathogens and herbivores) at their low levels. However, the essential-to-lethal range for these elements is somewhat narrow. The effect of beneficial elements at low levels deserves more attention with regard to using them to fertilize crops to boost crop production under stress and to enhance plant nutritional value as a feed or food. A more holistic approach to plant nutrition would not only be restricted to nutrients essential to survival but would also include mineral elements at levels beneficial for best growth. Here, we describe the uptake mechanisms of various beneficial elements, their favourable aspects, and the role of these elements in conferring tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses.     

Evaluating crude extracts of Monsonia burkeana and Moringa oleifera against Fusarium wilt of tomato

Fusarium wilt is one of the major soil-borne diseases of tomato crop globally. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plants in the control of Fusarium wilt in tomato. Methanolic extracts of Monsonia burkena and Moringa oleifera were assessed in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. The in vitro experiments evaluated the effect of both extracts on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp lycopersici growth and response to varying concentrations. In greenhouse experiment, tomato seedlings cv. HTX14 were inoculated with conidial suspension of F. oxysporum and transplanted into pasteurised growth media amended with plant extract. Seedlings were treated with aqueous extracts at varying concentrations with an interval of 7 days between applications. Control treatments were treated with sterile distilled water. Both plant extracts significantly reduced pathogen growth in vitro and reduced wilt severity under greenhouse conditions. The highest mycelial growth suppression was observed in Mon. burkeana treatments. Under greenhouse conditions, both plant extracts significantly (P?≤?0.05) reduced Fusarium wilt severity and had a positive effect on plant growth parameters. A significant increase in soil-pH was also recorded in extract treated soil resulting in reduction in disease severity. The results further provide new scientific information on how their effect on soil pH can be beneficial in the control of Fusarium wilt.     

Isolation and characterization of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from walnut and their effect on growth and phosphorus mobilization

The objectives of this work were to isolate and characterize walnut phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and to evaluate the effect of inoculation with the selected PSB stains to walnut seedlings fertilized with or without insoluble phosphate. Thirty-four PSB strains were isolated and identified under the genera Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Cupriavidus, Agrobacterium, Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Pantoea, and Rhodococcus through a comparison of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequences. All isolated PSB strains could solubilize tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in solid and liquid media. Phosphate-solubilizing activity of these strains was associated with a drop in the pH of medium. A significantly negative linear correlation was found between culture pH and phosphorus (P) solubilized from inorganic phosphate. Three isolates Pseudomonas chlororaphis (W24), Bacillus cereus (W9), and Pseudomonas fluorescens (W12) were selected for shade house assays because of their higher phosphate-solubilizing abilities. Under shade house conditions, application of W24 or W12 remarkably improved plant height, shoot and root dry weight, and P and nitrogen (N) uptake of walnut seedlings. These increases were higher on combined inoculation of PSB with TCP addition. The most pronounced beneficial effect on growth of walnut plants was observed in the co-inoculation of the three PSB strains with TCP addition. In comparison, the isolate of W9 failed to increase available soil P, nutrient levels in plants, or to promote plant growth, suggesting that more insoluble phosphate compounds than tricalcium phosphate should be used as substrates to assess the phosphate-solubilizing ability of PSB under greenhouse conditions. The present results indicated that strains P. chlororaphis or P. fluorescens could be considered for the formulation of new inoculants of walnut, even of more woody plants.     

Growth promotion and protection against damping-off of wheat by two rock phosphate solubilizing actinomycetes in a P-deficient soil under greenhouse conditions

Micromonospora aurantiaca- and Streptomyces griseus-related strains isolated from Moroccan phosphate mines (MA^MPM and SG^MPM) were previously selected for their rock phosphate (RP) solubilizing abilities and their multiple plant growth promoting properties demonstrated in laboratory conditions. In order to assess whether these interesting properties could have a direct effect on plant growth and fitness, seeds of the wheat plant (Triticum durum L. cv. Vitron) coated or not with mycelium of these strains and of the reference strain S. griseus M1323, were grown in a sterile soil deficient in soluble phosphate supplemented or not with soluble phosphate or with the insoluble RP, under greenhouse conditions. These studies revealed that the presence of the actinomycete strains in the soil supplemented with RP significantly promoted the growth of the wheat plants. MA^MPM and SG^MPM had the greatest stimulatory effect on plant growth with 50–47% and 80–78% weight increase of shoots and roots, respectively, in comparison with the sterile control. This increase correlated with a significant increase in the N and P content of plant tissues. The MA^MPM- and SG^MPM-dependent growth promotion in the RP supplemented soil was on average 10–13% lower than that achieved by the soluble phosphate supplement. Furthermore, in a soil infested with Pythium ultimum, the mediator of damping-off disease, the coating of wheat seeds with the mycelium of MA^MPM strain resulted in a clear protection of the plant. The level of protection achieved by MA^MPM was 14% lower than that conferred by the commercial bio-fungicide agent (Mycostop^®). This study demonstrated that MA^MPM in association with pulverized RP could constitute a novel and non-polluting bio-fertilizer/biocontrol product useful for the development of sustainable agriculture.     

Speicherungsprozesse — die Rolle der Phytohormone

Storage processes — the role of plant hormones The role of plant hormones in the regulation of induction and development of fruits and vegetative storage organs and in the storage process is critically reviewed. Evidence is presented that growth and development of storage organs is regulated by a complex interaction of all known plant hormones. By changing the sink-capacity the hormones influence the intensity and direction of the assimilate flow. Beyond this more indirect effect on the flow of assimilates few observations indicate a direct effect of hormones on the transport system.     

Comparative effect of drought duration on growth,photosynthesis, water relations,and solute accumulation in wild and cultivated barley species

Drought is a major factor limiting crop production worldwide. Barley is a well‐adapted cereal that is largely grown on dry marginal land where water and salinity are the most prevalent environmental stresses. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of drought stress and subsequent recovery on growth, photosynthetic activity, water relations, osmotic adjustment (OA), and solute accumulation of wild (Hordeum maritimum) and cultivated barley (H. vulgare L.). In a pot experiment, 60 d old seedlings were subjected to drought stress for 0, 7, 14, 21, or 28 d, and then re‐watered to recover for up to 21 d. Plants were harvested at the end of each of these drought/recovery treatments. Drought significantly reduced fresh and dry weights at the whole‐plant level, photosynthetic activities, and solute and water potentials, while increasing leaf Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations. The adverse effects of drought on growth were more marked in cultivated barley than in wild barley and the reverse was true for photosynthetic activities. During recovery, all wild barley seedlings completely recovered. For cultivated barley seedlings, rehydration had a beneficial effect on growth and photosynthesis, independent of treatment duration, but complete recovery did not occur. The reduction in leaf solute potential at full turgor in drought‐stressed barley, relative to the control, suggests active OA which was more significant in wild barley than in cultivated barley. OA was mainly due to the accumulation of inorganic (K⁺ in cultivated barley and Na⁺ in wild barley) and organic (soluble sugars and proline) solutes. The results suggest that OA is an important component of the drought‐stress adaptation mechanism in wild barley, but is not sufficient to contribute to drought tolerance in cultivated barley. In the latter species, the results show that even short periods (as little as 7 d) of water deficit stress had considerable long‐term effects on plant growth.     

Bacteria able to control foot and root rot and to promote growth of cucumber in salinated soils

The aim of the present work was to test known bacterial plant growth-promoting strains for their ability to promote cucumber plant growth in salinated soil and to improve cucumber fruit yield by protecting these plants against soil-borne pathogens. Fifty-two plant-beneficial bacterial strains were evaluated for their ability to protect plants against cucumber foot and root rot after bacterization of the seeds and infestation of salinated soil with the isolated Fusarium solani pathogen. Based on the results of initial screenings, five efficient strains were selected, namely Serratia plymuthica RR-2-5-10, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila e-p10, Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2145, Pseudomonas extremorientalis TSAU20, and P. fluorescens PCL1751. All five strains are salt tolerant since they grow well in a medium to which 3% NaCl was added. Infestation of the soil with F. solani resulted in an increase of the percentage of diseased plants from 17 to 54. Priming of seedlings with the five selected bacterial strains reduced this proportion to as low as 10%. In addition, in the absence of an added pathogen, all five strains showed a significant stimulatory effect on cucumber plant growth, increasing the dry weight of whole cucumber plants up to 62% in comparison to the non-bacterized control. The strains also increased cucumber fruit yield in greenhouse varying from 9% to 32%. We conclude that seed priming with the selected microbes is a very promising approach for improving horticulture in salinated soils. Moreover, allochthonous strains isolated from non-salinated soil, from a moderate or even cold climate, and from other plants than cucumber, functioned as well as autochthonous strains as cucumber-beneficial bacteria in salinated Uzbek soils. These results show that these plant-beneficial strains are robust and they strongly suggest they can also be used successfully in case the climate gets warmer and the soils will become more salinated. Finally, the mechanisms by which they may exert their plant-beneficial action are discussed.