Integrating Self-Endophytic Bio-Inoculant to Enhance Roselle Productivity Under Reduced Chemical Fertilization in Aswan, Egypt

Ibrahim, Zohor Ahmed; Soliman, Wagdi S; Konsowa, Osama; Abbas, Mohammed Tawfik

doi:10.21608/ajabs.2025.404381.1014

	Integrating Self-Endophytic Bio-Inoculant to Enhance Roselle Productivity Under Reduced Chemical Fertilization in Aswan, Egypt
Aswan Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 July 2025
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ajabs.2025.404381.1014
View on SCiNiTO
Authors
Zohor Ahmed Ibrahim¹; Wagdi S Soliman ²; Osama Konsowa³; Mohammed Tawfik Abbas¹
¹Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University
²Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt
³Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University.
Abstract
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a valuable medicinal and economic crop widely cultivated in Egypt, with Aswan contributing 53% of the total area. On the other hand, sustainable agriculture increasingly relies on plant-microbe interactions, particularly endophytic microorganisms. This study investigated the potential of self-endophytic microbiomes as a bioformulation to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while enhancing roselle growth and productivity. A field experiment was conducted using different NPK fertilizer levels combined with a mixed self-endophytic inoculum. Results showed that replacing 25% of NPK with bio-inoculation significantly increased fruit number and shoot biomass by 25% and 15%, respectively. Also, using 75% NPK plus bio-inoculation improved seed weight and dry calyx yield by 35% and 16%, respectively, compared to full NPK. Additionally, this treatment enhanced chlorophyll a and b content by 15% and 23%. The highest carotenoid content was observed with 25% NPK plus bio-inoculant with 21% increase. These findings confirm that endophytic bacteria can colonize roselle tissues without causing harm, improve nutrient uptake, and boost productivity. This eco-friendly approach represents a promising strategy for sustainable roselle cultivation, reducing chemical input while maintaining high yields and supporting environmental health.
Keywords
Hibiscus sabdariffa; PGPR; Endophytic; Rhizobacteria; Bioformulation


Statistics Article View: 54