Abstract
We propose a hypothesis that the plant growth promoting rhizobacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa forms biofilms on plant roots, and thereby protects plants against drought and root pathogens. Rhizobacteria, which have co-evolved with plants over millennia are responsible for diverse metabolic functions that affect plant health, and can be considered a natural resource. It is doubtful whether the potential of the complex system: plant root- rhizobacteria has been effectively used in modern cropping systems. With the interdisciplinary approach described here, we are aiming to understand the biological significance of P. polymyxa biofilms. We intend to isolate P. polymyxa from contrasting ecological microsites. The bacterial isolate’s ability to form biofilms will be disrupted, and the genes involved in extra-cellular matrix formation identified. Enhancing the knowledge of rhizobacterial functioning will aid in the development of sustainable agro-ecosystems and develop solutions aiming at reducing agrochemicals and costly irrigation. Isolating the bacteria from the rhizosphere of wild barley, grown under contrasting drought stress conditions will bring an insight to plant-microbe co-evolution, which could be of use to breeding programs. The study will enlighten the physiology, genetics and physical properties of biofilm formation in general, as the collective behavior that leads to biofilm formation is common among different bacterial species.
Sweden