Mutualistic interaction with Trichoderma longibrachiatum UENF-F476 boosted plant growth-promotion of Serratia marcescens UENF-22GI

BACKGROUNDA plethora of bacteria-fungal interactions occurs on the extended fungal hyphae network in soil. The mycosphere of saprophytic fungi can serve as a bacterial niche boosting their survival, dispersion, and activity. Such ecological concepts can be converted to bioproducts for sustainable agriculture. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that the well-characterized beneficial bacterium Serratia marcescens UENF-22GI can enhance their plant growth-promoting properties by combination with Trichoderma longibrachiatum UENF-F476. RESULTSThe colony and cell interactions demonstrated S. marcescens and T. longibrachiatum compatibility. Bacteria cells were able to attach, forming aggregates-biofilms and migrates through fungal hyphae network. Bacterial migration through growing hyphae was confirmed using two-compartment Petri dishes assay. Fungal inoculation increased the bacteria survival rates into the vermicompost substrate over the experimental time. Also, in vitro indolic compound, phosphorus, and zinc solubilization bacteria activities increased in the presence of the fungus. In line with the ecophysiological bacteria fitness, tomato and papaya plantlet growth was boosted by bacteria-fungi combination applied under plant nursery conditions. CONCLUSIONMutualistic interaction between mycosphere-colonizing bacterium S. marcescens UENF-22GI and the saprotrophic fungi T. longibrachiatum UENF-F467 increased the ecological fitness of the bacteria alongside with beneficial potential for plant growth. A proper combination and delivery of compatible beneficial bacteria-fungus represent an open avenue for biological enrichment of plant substrates technologies in agricultural systems.