Amelioration of lithium stress in Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek through the application of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria

Lithium is among the alkali metals which can significantly reduce plant growth and yield. In this study, different levels of lithium stress lithium were applied to Vigna radiata (Mung bean), an economically important crop, grown in earthen pots. Each treatment of lithium was compared with the plants inoculated with bacteria that is resistant to lithium. Growth and physiological parameters were measured during the study. The results showed a significant reduction in growth such as plant height, branch number, plant height, root, fresh and dry weight of shoot, seeds quantity per plant, and seeds’ weight, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic and transpiration rate as compared to the controlled and also the plants with Lithium treatment. However, for each treatment, there was a significant increase in the growth and physiological parameters among the plants inoculated with lithium-resistant bacteria. A relationship between lithium concentrations (grains and roots) and the biomass accumulation factor was positive and significant. The lithium level was significantly lower in the roots, shoots, and grains of the plants having bacterial inoculation in comparison with treatments of lithium only. This study showed that lithium can affect the physiological performance and growth of Vigna radiata . This reduction of growth can be significantly minimized by the application of lithium-resistant bacteria. The findings of this research work can be used to understand the lithium effects on the crops and also the utilization of microbes to ameliorate the lithium stress.