Persistence of Pseudomonas fluorescens LBUM677 in the rhizosphere of corn gromwell (Buglossoides arvensis) under field conditions and its impact on seed oil and stearidonic acid bioaccumulation

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of Pseudomonas fluorescens LBUM677 in the rhizosphere of Buglossoides arvensis under agricultural field conditions and determine if B. arvensis intraspecific genetic variations affect the capacity of LBUM677 to colonize its rhizosphere and increase seed oil and stearidonic acid (SDA) accumulation. Methods and Results Two field experiments were performed to: (i) study the persistence of various concentrations of LBUM677 inoculated in the rhizosphere of B. arvensis and determine a minimum inoculation threshold required to maximize biological activity; and (ii) study the impact of B. arvensis intraspecific genetic variations on LBUM677 rhizosphere colonization and seed oil and SDA accumulation. In order to track LBUM677 populations in soil over time, a specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was developed. Inoculation with a minimum of 10(9) LBUM677 bacterial cells per plant was determined as a threshold to promote maximum B. arvensis rhizosphere colonization and seed oil and SDA accumulation. Buglossoides arvensis intraspecific genetic variations had an impact on rhizosphere colonization, B. arvensis seed oil and SDA accumulation, where two cultivars benefited more than others from LBUM677 inoculation. Conclusions LBUM677 can colonize the rhizosphere and increase seed oil and SDA yields in B. arvensis plants in a cultivar-dependant manner. Significance and Impact of the Study LBUM677 shows potential to be used as a biofertilizer to specifically increase seed oil and SDA yields in B. arvensis. This will in turn promote the development of an economically viable agricultural-based approach as an alternative for producing high-quality polyunsaturated fatty acids.