Bacillus Subtilis Promotes Plant Phosphorus Acquisition Through Phosphorus Solubilization and Stimulation of Root and Root Hair Growth

The study demonstrates that Bacillus subtilis strain ALC_02 enhances phosphorus (P) acquisition and growth in dwarf tomato plants under P-limited conditions by solubilizing P and stimulating root and root hair growth. Inoculation with ALC_02 increased root length, density, and dry biomass by 35%, and improved P content and concentration by 83% and 26%, respectively. The bacterium's production of auxin and acetic acid contributed to these effects, promoting root elongation and lateral root formation. The findings suggest that ALC_02 can serve as an effective biofertilizer, reducing the need for chemical P fertilizers, although further validation in non-sterilized soil is recommended.