Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for drought-tolerant bermudagrass
A collection of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains, including the characterized DH44 strain of Paenibacillus sonchi, that colonize bermudagrass to enhance drought tolerance, root growth, and nutrient uptake. These biofertilizer treatments can reduce synthetic fertilizer and irrigation needs in southern US turfgrass systems, improving lawn sustainability.
Overview
Bermudagrass is the most widely used turfgrass in the southern United States, valued for its sod-forming characteristics and long growing season. Auburn University researchers have developed and characterized plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains that colonize both root and shoot tissues of bermudagrass. When applied to existing grass stands, these beneficial bacteria enhance drought tolerance, stimulate root and shoot growth, and improve nutrient uptake. The result is reduced dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation, supporting more environmentally sustainable lawn and turf management.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- A curated collection of PGPR strains, including the well-characterized DH44 strain of Paenibacillus sonchi
- Bacterial consortia (blends) and single-strain formulations developed and maintained at Auburn University
- Simple water-based application to existing grass stands, with rhizosphere and phyllosphere colonization occurring within 24 to 48 hours
- Colonization persistence of at least 8 weeks depending on strain
- Demonstrated ability to promote aboveground production comparable to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer when used at half the standard nitrogen rate
- Mitigation of abiotic stresses (drought) and biotic stresses (white grubs, mole crickets, root-knot nematodes)
- Stimulation of root growth even in the presence of root herbivores
Technology readiness level
The PGPR strains have been validated through growth chamber and greenhouse trials demonstrating increased root growth and drought tolerance in bermudagrass. Previous studies have confirmed the role of these strains in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses. Ongoing greenhouse experiments are evaluating 13 PGPR strains for drought mitigation using a randomized block design with four replicates across multiple fertility and water-status combinations. Plant height, pot weight, soil moisture, total biomass, root weight, and aboveground weight are measured at multiple time points to confirm efficacy. The technology is advancing toward field deployment readiness for turfgrass and lawn management applications.
About Auburn University
Auburn University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving industry from its main campus in Auburn, Alabama. Companies engage through a research and technology park offering on‑site convening space and services, and via a Huntsville Research and Innovation Campus embedded in Cummings Research Park near Redstone Arsenal. A long‑standing cooperative education program and a statewide extension network link employers to student talent and field deployment across Alabama. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, DoD, and NASA. The university’s Intellectual Property Exchange provides IP management, licensing, and commercialization support.
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