Researchers have discovered a promising way to boost the growth and sweetness of Stevia rebaudiana, a natural, calorie-free sweetener. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria, they were able to increase the production of steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds found in Stevia leaves. This breakthrough could help meet the growing demand for natural sugar alternatives and contribute to a more sustainable agriculture. Plant growth-promoting bacteria could be the key to unlocking Stevia’s full potential.
Unlocking the Natural Sweetness of Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana is a remarkable plant that has captured the attention of the food and healthcare industries. It produces a group of compounds called steviol glycosides, which are up to 300 times sweeter than regular sugar. This makes Stevia an attractive natural alternative for people looking to reduce their sugar intake, especially those with metabolic disorders. However, meeting the growing global demand for Stevia-based sweeteners has been a challenge.
The Microbial Magic Behind Stevia’s Boost
A team of researchers from Mansoura and Tanta Universities in Egypt set out to explore a novel approach to enhancing Stevia’s growth and sweetness production. They focused on the role of endophytic bacteria – microorganisms that live within the plant’s tissues without causing any harm.
The researchers isolated three strains of beneficial bacteria from Stevia leaves and tested their ability to promote plant growth and steviol glycoside production. These bacteria, identified as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus paralicheniformis, and Bacillus paramycoides, were found to have impressive plant growth-promoting capabilities.
Boosting Stevia’s Potential with Bacterial Superpowers
The researchers discovered that these endophytic bacteria were able to:
– Produce high levels of auxin and gibberellin hormones, which are crucial for plant growth and development.
– Fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize phosphate, providing essential nutrients to the plants.
– Secrete enzymes that can break down complex molecules, making more nutrients available to the plants.
– Produce compounds like exopolysaccharides and hydrogen cyanide that can protect plants from stress and disease.
Synergistic Effects for Sweeter Stevia
The researchers then tested the impact of these beneficial bacteria, both individually and in combinations, on Stevia plants. The results were impressive – the plants treated with the bacterial combinations showed significantly enhanced growth, with increased shoot and root length, leaf number, and the production of steviol glycosides.
Interestingly, the team also found that the bacterial treatments triggered an up-regulation of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of steviol glycosides. This means the plants were able to produce more of the sweet compounds in response to the microbial inoculations.
A Sustainable Future for Stevia
This study highlights the tremendous potential of harnessing beneficial microbes to boost the productivity and quality of Stevia. By leveraging the synergistic effects of these plant growth-promoting bacteria, the researchers have paved the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to Stevia cultivation.
As the global demand for natural sweeteners continues to rise, this research offers a promising solution that could help meet the growing need for Stevia-based products. By working in harmony with nature, we can unlock the full potential of this remarkable plant and provide a healthier, more sustainable alternative to traditional sweeteners.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Amal M. Abdelsattar, Mohamed A. El-Esawi, Ashraf Elsayed, Yasmin M. Heikal.
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