Unveiling the multifaceted benefits of Bacillus cereus strain doms B16 for sustainable agriculture and crop productivity

The growing need for sustainable agricultural practices has prompted the exploration of microbial biotechnologies, specifically plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This study focuses on Bacillus cereus strain doms B16, a newly isolated bacterium from the rhizosphere of black pepper plants. Our comprehensive evaluation revealed that strain B16 exhibits multiple beneficial traits such as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, and the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which are pivotal for enhancing plant growth. The results from pot experiments show that B16 significantly improves growth parameters in mustard, green gram, and bengal gram, confirming its potential to contribute to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The strain’s robustness in salt stress conditions and its ability to form biofilms further affirm its potential as a biofertilizer. These findings underscore the significance of Bacillus cereus strain doms B16 in promoting sustainable agriculture through enhanced plant health and productivity, presenting a viable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural inputs. This study is the first to report the isolation of Bacillus cereus strain doms B16 from the rhizosphere of black pepper, exhibiting both plant growth-promoting traits and salt tolerance. The strain demonstrated significant growth promotion in multiple crops, including mustard, green gram, and bengal gram, highlighting its potential application in sustainable agriculture. Its ability to form biofilms and tolerate saline conditions suggests its suitability for use in diverse environmental settings.