Siderophore production in pseudomonas SP. strain SP3 enhances iron acquisition in apple rootstock

Aims The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of siderophore-producing bacteria and bacterial siderophore on the iron nutrition of apple rootstocks under iron-deficient conditions. Methods and Results We isolated three Pseudomonas strains, SP1, SP2 and SP3 from the rhizosphere of the Fe-efficient apple rootstocks using the chrome azurol S agar plate assay. We found that all three strains had the ability to secrete indole acetic acid-like compounds and siderophores, especially SP3. When Fe-inefficient rootstocks treated with SP3 were grown in alkaline soil, an increase in the biomass, root development, and Fe concentration was observed in the plants. In addition, SP3 secreted pyoverdine, a siderophore that can chelate Fe3+ to enhance the bioavailability of Fe for plants. We purified the pyoverdine from the SP3 culture supernatant. Hydroponic experiments were conducted with a Fe-deficient solution supplemented with pyoverdine, resulting in a reduction in the chlorosis caused by Fe deficiency and marked improvement in Fe uptake. Conclusions Under iron-deficient conditions, Pseudomonas sp. strain SP3 can effectively promote apple rootstock growth and improve plant iron nutrition by secreting siderophores that enhance Fe availability. Significance and Impact of the Study This study showed that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria from Fe-efficient plants have the potential to improve iron nutrition in Fe-inefficient plants, and Fe-siderophore chelates can be used as an effective source of iron for apple plants. Based on these findings, it may be possible to develop biological agents such as siderophore-producing bacteria for sustainable agricultural and horticultural production.