Increase in phenolic compounds of Coriandrum sativum L. after the application of a Bacillus halotolerans biofertilizer.

The world urgently needs a new sustainable way of satisfying the increasing demand for food. One of the main challenges is replacing chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers, which include plant root-associated beneficial microorganisms. The present study reports for the first time the effects of SCCPVE07 bacterial strain on improving not only plant development but also the nutritional content and bioactive compounds content of Coriandrum sativum L., one of the most economically important crops, even the plants growth under salinity stress.Coriander plants (Coriandrum sativum L.) innoculated showed an increase in potassium, carbon, calcium and iron content. A significant improvement in phenolic compounds contents was also observed. The contents of 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, cinnamic acid, 4-methoxy-cinnamic acid hexoside, K-3-O rutinoside, Q-3-O-rutinoside, Q-3-O-glucoside and Q-3-O-glucuronide were significantly enhanced. Moreover, an efficient bacterial root colonization and a noted growth promotion was showed. Bacterial genome was sequenced and analysed. Genes coding related to PGP mechanisms and proteins involved in plant defence from salinity or in the metabolism of phenolic compounds, such as quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase and phenolic acid decarboxylase, were identified.Our results showed for the first time the beneficial effects of the inoculation of a bacterial Bacillus halotolerans biofertilizer on coriander crops to increase the content in bioactive compounds and plant development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.