Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from the Rhizosphere of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant .

This study aimed to isolate and characterize native strains from the rhizospheric soil of plants to evaluate their potential as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). A total of 22 bacterial isolates were obtained and subjected to various biochemical tests, as well as assessments of plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphate solubilization, hydrogen cyanide production, biocontrol properties through antibiosis, and indole acetic production. Genotypic analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree construction identified the strains, with one particular strain named SM 33 showing significant growth-promoting effects on seedlings. This strain, SM 33, showed high similarity to based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and notably increased both shoot fresh weight and root dry weight of the plants. These findings underscore the potential application of native strains in enhancing plant growth and health, offering promising avenues for sustainable agricultural practices.