Phosphate Solubilization Potential of Rhizobacteria from Tomato Plant Root

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient for plant growth, yet its availability in soil is often restricted due to its conversion into insoluble forms. This study aimed to investigate the phosphate-solubilizing potential of rhizobacteria isolated from tomato plant roots and assess their effectiveness in improving phosphorus availability. Bacterial isolates were identified through molecular characterization, revealing the presence of Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Pseudomonas asiatica, Priestia aryabhattai, and Priestia megaterium, with sequence similarities ranging from 92.49% to 98.38%. These species demonstrated phosphate solubilization potential along with additional functional roles, including heavy metal detoxification, enzyme production, and biodegradation. The findings indicate that Pseudomonas asiatica and Priestia megaterium are particularly efficient phosphate solubilizers, likely due to their ability to produce organic acids that facilitate phosphorus release from insoluble compounds. Furthermore, Lysinibacillus fusiformis was identified as a dual-purpose bacterium, contributing to both phosphorus solubilization and heavy metal detoxification, which is essential for improving soil health in contaminated environments. The presence of Priestia aryabhattai further highlights the potential of rhizobacteria in enhancing soil fertility, as this species has been linked to nitrogen fixation and organic matter decomposition. These results align with previous research emphasizing the role of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in sustainable agriculture and bioremediation. The study suggests that these bacteria could serve as biofertilizers, reducing the dependence on chemical phosphorus fertilizers while simultaneously promoting soil restoration in degraded farmlands. Future research should focus on field application trials to validate their effectiveness in real agricultural settings.