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Unveiling Plant-Beneficial Function as Seen in Bacteria Genes from Termite Mound Soil

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Abstract

The use of termite mound soils in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth, especially in areas with poor soil conditions, has been recommended by many research studies. Most of these recommendations are, however, based on the high nutrient levels in termite mound soils. Thus, this study aimed to verify if plant growth–promoting bacteria in termite soils also play a role in improving plant growth. To achieve our purpose, we made an effort in characterizing the bacterial genes contributing to plant-beneficial function in termite mound soils with the shotgun metagenomics method. Results from this study revealed the presence of bacterial genes involved in the production of siderophores, acetoin, trehalose, phenazine, butanediol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, chitinase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, quorum sensing molecules, and mineral phosphate solubilization. In addition, we identified bacterial genes involved in the manufacturing of catalases, peroxidases, and superoxide dismutases that confer resistance to oxidative stresses in plants. Bacterial genes responsible for glycine-betaine production and cold and heat shock tolerance which helps in withstanding abiotic stress, were also present. With these plant growth–promoting traits observed in bacteria from termite mound soils, we recommend the isolation and the use of termite mound soil bacteria both in greenhouse and field trials to further ascertain their potential in improving soil fertility and crop production.

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Funding

B.J.E. thanks South Africa’s National Research Foundation/The World Academy of Science African Renaissance (grant UID110909) for the stipend that was of great help during his Doctoral program. O.O.B. would like to thank the National Research Foundation, South Africa, for the grant UID81192 that has supported research in her lab.

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  1. Food Security and Safety Niche, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Mail Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa

    Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma & Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

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  1. Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma
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  2. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
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Contributions

B.J.E. managed the literature searches, carried out the laboratory work, performed the analyses, interpreted the results, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. O.O.B. is the principal investigator, provided academic input, thoroughly critiqued the manuscript, and funded the research from DNA extraction kits to NGS sequencing. Both authors approved the article for publication.

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Correspondence to Olubukola Oluranti Babalola.

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Enagbonma, B.J., Babalola, O.O. Unveiling Plant-Beneficial Function as Seen in Bacteria Genes from Termite Mound Soil. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 20, 421–430 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-019-00124-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-019-00124-w

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