Characterization of rhizosphere bacteria associated with Vitellaria paradoxa and their potential applications in sustainable agriculture

The rhizosphere, a biologically active soil region encircling plant roots, serves as a crucial locus for plant-microbe interactions that affect plant development, nutrient cycling, and overall ecosystem vitality. The bacterial communities residing in the rhizosphere of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea tree) in Nigeria are inadequately characterized. This study aimed to examine the bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of V. paradoxa naturally occurring in the Botanical Garden at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Bacterial isolates were procured via serial dilution plating and identified according to colony morphology and standard biochemical assays. The isolated species comprised Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Micrococcus luteus, and Lactobacillus brevis. These organisms, identified as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), enhance plant health by increasing nutrient availability, fostering plant growth, and inhibiting soil-borne pathogens. The results underscore the prospective use of PGPR as natural, environmentally friendly agents for sustainable agriculture, enhancing soil fertility and crop yield while diminishing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals.