<i>Debaryomyces hansenii</i> Enhances Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Yield in Rice Plants (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Cultivated in Calcareous Soil
Calcareous soils, characterized by high pH and calcium carbonate content, often limit the availability of essential nutrients for crops such as rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.), reducing yield and nutritional quality. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the halotolerant yeast <i>...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/7/1696 |
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| Summary: | Calcareous soils, characterized by high pH and calcium carbonate content, often limit the availability of essential nutrients for crops such as rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.), reducing yield and nutritional quality. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the halotolerant yeast <i>Debaryomyces hansenii</i> on the growth, nutrient uptake, and phosphorus acquisition mechanisms of rice plants cultivated in calcareous soil under controlled greenhouse conditions. Plants inoculated with <i>D. hansenii</i>, particularly via root immersion, exhibited significantly higher SPAD chlorophyll index, plant height, and grain yield compared to controls. A modest increase (~4%) in dry matter content was also observed under sterilized soil conditions. Foliar concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Mn significantly increased in plants inoculated with <i>D. hansenii</i> via root immersion in non-sterilized calcareous soil, indicating improved micronutrient acquisition under these specific conditions. Although leaf phosphorus levels were not significantly increased, <i>D. hansenii</i> stimulated acid phosphatase activity, as visually observed through BCIP staining, and upregulated genes involved in phosphorus acquisition under both P-sufficient and P-deficient conditions. At the molecular level, <i>D. hansenii</i> upregulated the expression of acid phosphatase genes (<i>OsPAP3</i>, <i>OsPAP9</i>) and a phosphate transporter gene (<i>OsPTH1;6</i>), confirming its influence on P-related physiological responses. These findings demonstrate that <i>D. hansenii</i> functions as a plant growth-promoting yeast (PGPY) and may serve as a promising biofertilizer for improving rice productivity and nutrient efficiency in calcareous soils, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in calcareous soils and other nutrient-limiting environments. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |