Impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (S48) in Enhancing the Oxidative Stress Defence Systems of Two Wheat Varieties Against Salt Stress

Abstract

Salinity is one of the main factors responsible for soil deterioration in arid and semi-arid regions, rendering them unsuitable for agriculture. However, there are many beneficial interactions between plant microorganisms in rhizosphere soils that could be exploited to minimize the negative effects of abiotic factors, such as salinity, on plants. Hence, the introduction of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has long been considered an effective method for improving plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we examined how PGPR (Bacillus thuringiensis strain S48) affected various wheat varieties (Triticum durum L. and Triticum aestivum L.) in the presence and absence of salt stress. Specifically, we monitored physiological and biochemical parameters of the aerial plant parts, including fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and b concentration, protein, soluble sugars, polyphenols content, and antioxidant activities. The results showed that increasing salinity had a negative effect on the growth and health of selected wheat plants, while, inoculation with a specific PGPR strain significantly reduced these adverse effects.