Isolation, characterization and screening of Bradyrhizobium from soybean plants for salinity tolerance

Abstract

Salinity stress is a major limiting factor affecting the growth and productivity of soybean (Glycine max), particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to isolate and characterize Bradyrhizobium strains from soybean root nodules and screen them for salinity tolerance. A total of thirty-four Bradyrhizobium isolates were isolated from soybean samples from Adilabad and Hyderabad district saline soil regions and evaluated for their ability to withstand varying levels of salt stress. Results showed that ASB16 and HSB2 isolates exhibited high salinity tolerance and maintained their symbiotic efficiency with soybean even at high salt concentrations. These salt-tolerant Bradyrhizobium strains could potentially be used as bioinoculants to improve soybean productivity in saline soils, offering a sustainable solution for crop production in salt-affected regions.