Soil and Root Responses in Hazelnut Rhizosphere to Inoculate Rhizobacteria Immobilized via JetCutter Technology
2025
Solange V. Benítez | Rocío Carrasco | Antonio Roldán | Fuensanta Caravaca | Manuel Campoy | Joaquín Cofré | José Ortiz | Juan D. Giraldo | Mauricio Schoebitz
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have significant potential for enhancing soil quality and plant growth; however, their agricultural application is limited by challenges such as immobilization and desiccation vulnerability. Background: This study addressed PGPR solid formulation by applying JetCutter-assisted immobilization technology to PGPR strains isolated from the rhizosphere of hazelnut (<i>Corylus avellana</i>). Methods: Four immobilized PGPR strains were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions: <i>Serratia proteamaculans</i>, <i>Pseudomonas mohnii</i>, <i>Pseudomonas baetica</i>, and <i>Bacillus safensis</i>. Their effects on root development, gas exchange parameters, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil enzymatic activities (phosphatase, urease, protease, and β-glucosidase) were assessed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the top-performing strain. Results: Treatment with encapsulated bacteria resulted in a 27% increase in DOC compared to controls (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while phosphatase and urease activities increased by 35% and 28%, respectively. Root length and volume improved by 18% and 22%, respectively, with PCA identifying <i>P. baetica</i> as the most effective strain. Conclusions: Immobilized Gram-negative PGPR strains enhanced root development and soil biochemical activity in hazelnuts, whereas <i>B. safensis</i> enhanced photosynthesis but had minimal impact on soil properties. These results highlight functional differences and support the use of PGPR immobilization to promote early plant establishment.
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