Integrating self-endophytic bio-Inoculant to enhance Roselle productivity under reduced chemical fertilization in Aswan, Egypt | ||
| Aswan Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences | ||
| Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2025, Pages 17-28 PDF (1.33 M) | ||
| Document Type: Research article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ajabs.2025.404381.1014 | ||
| 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 | ||
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