Laboratory of Rhizosphere Microbiology
Vision
To bring Sustainable Development via Sustainable Agriculture
Mission
We will attempt to deliver ecologically safe biofertilizers by exploring uncharted sources of microbial diversity, which can restore soil ecology and achieve environmental sustainability
What is accomplished
We have assessed the diversity of Bacillus associated with Eleusine coracana across the Garhwal transects of high-altitude snowy regions. Recently, beneficial bacteria were studied for their compatibility with natural conditions making them successful biofertilizers via a new "field-first strategy". Interesting studies were conducted on autochthonous and allochthonous bacteria for crop production and to substantiate agriculture.
Bacillus as PGPR
Bacillus is a potential contributor to global nitrogen fixation. They can survive both in the soil environment and within or outside of a host plant for long durations and withstand ecological constraints. Therefore, research efforts can be made in the scope of rhizosphere biology to discover unknown pathways of Bacillus-plant interactions. We are looking to increase the research spectrum of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) towards new dimensions. We are evaluating some other mechanisms of Bacillus that can be beneficial in agriculture, such as bioremediation by biosurfactant-producing PGPR (Bp-PGPR).
Root exudates: Biology and Biochemistry
We are keenly interested in the plant root exudates precisely on such compounds, manipulate plant-microbe interaction in soil interface. We intend to explore signaling networks via proteomic approaches to understand the role of such compounds in root architecture and environmental stresses. In our lab, we experimented on plant roots colonized by diverse and plenty of microorganisms. We hypothesize that the root exudates augment the invasive properties of non-rhizobacteria and signify their vital role in the rhizosphere but, it is also possible that root exudate exerts harmful effects on residential microbe and may alter their morphology, physiology, and genetics too. Hence, we are examining plant-molecular networks, influenced through interaction with plant growth-promoting bacteria as well as other bacterial communities. Eventually, we investigate the vice-versa effects of root-exudates on bacteria to change the theory of the ‘rhizosphere effect’. Further, resistive and multifarious bacteria may be exploited as inoculants to maximize crop protection and production in an eco-safe manner.
Rhizobactarial Biosurfactants
Biosurfactants are surfactants that are produced extracellularly or as part of the cell membrane by bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. These microbial metabolites have underscored applications, yet mostly in bioremediation. In our research, we are isolating bacteria from the oil-contaminated soil, evaluating them on the characteristics of biosurfactant production, and qualifying certain potential bacteria for plant growth promotion. The potential Biosurfactant-producing PGPRs (BP-PGPR), are studied further for biofertilizer potential, and biocontrol potential. Using BP-PGPR, we are trying to "hit two targets with one arrow" as, they can remediate soil, and take part in beneficial interaction with plants, to increase crop production, thus boosting sustainable agriculture.
Research Scholars
Priya Sharma
Characterising Bacillus as Probiotics