Streptomyces strains alleviate water stress and increase peppermint (Mentha piperita) yield and essential oils

• Published in: Plant and soil 2019-01, Vol.434 (1/2), p.441-452
• Main Authors: Zade, Naimeh Sadat Esmaeil, Sadeghi, Akram, Moradi, Pejman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural land; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Chemical composition; Composition; Drought; Ecology; Essences and essential oils; Essential oils; Farm buildings; Field tests; Greenhouses; Health aspects; Inoculation; Life Sciences; Mentha piperita; Menthol; Microorganisms; Oils & fats; Peppermint; Plant growth; Plant Physiology; Plant production; Plant Sciences; Plant-water relationships; REGULAR ARTICLE; Salinity tolerance; Soil microorganisms; Soil Science & Conservation; Soil structure; Strains (organisms); Streptomyces; Stress (Physiology); Vegetables; Water; Water resources; Water stress; Weight
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-018-3862-8

Background and aims Drought is the most significant factor limiting plant production in a majority of agricultural fields worldwide. PGPRs (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) are beneficial soil microorganisms, promote plant growth under normal and stress conditions. Methods In a greenhouse study, the PGP potential of two salt-tolerant antagonistic Streptomyces ( S. rimosus strain C-2012 and S. monomycini strain C 801) on peppermint growth and essential oils (EOs) content and composition under normal and water stress was evaluated. To realize the practical use of the PGPR strains, a field experiment was also carried out. Results In greenhouse and field experiments, soil inoculated with strain C-2012 and C 801 increased shoot fresh and dry weight compared to the non-inoculated controls. Strain C-2012 enhanced shoot dry weight 74% and 63% in greenhouse and field, respectively. Water stress decreased shoot fresh and dry weight but increased EOs and menthol content compared to normal irrigation. In stress conditions, inoculation with PGP strains increased plant growth, total EOs and menthol content. The frequency of soil inoculation with each strain resulted in different effects on plant growth and EOs content and composition. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report on the application of PGPR Streptomyces strains to increase peppermint and its EOs yield in greenhouse and field conditions. Our results certify the beneficial role of the salt-tolerant antagonistic Streptomyces strains to increase biomass and EOs content of peppermint and also to save water.