Potential of Rhizospheric Bacteria for Increasing Growth and Yield of Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) in Saline Soil

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia
² Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia
³ Department of Life Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Gujarat University, India

^* Corresponding author: dwi.ayu.l@mhs.unsoed.ac.id

Abstract

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) are the primary agricultural commodity in Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Due to the escalating demand for shallots, it is necessary to consider land expansion to accommodate this increased need, particularly extending to areas near coastal areas. However, shallot production near the coastal areas is still non-optimal compared to inland areas due to salinity with high osmotic pressure. Biological fertilizers containing saline-resistant microorganisms that can produce plant growth hormones and assist plants in absorbing nutrients are a promising solution to this issue. These microorganisms belong to the PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) group. It was reported that PGPR bacteria can produce exopolysaccharides, which lead to the formation and production of osmoprotectant biofilms and antioxidant enzymes, significantly stimulating plant growth in saline soils. In addition, several properties of PGPR bacteria can stimulate plant growth by increasing nutrient availability and growth hormone production, which can simultaneously improve the quality of plant growth. Therefore, this review will highlight the survival mechanisms of saline-resistant bacteria, their influence on increasing plant growth in saline fields, and their bacterial identities.