Implementation of PCR-based molecular techniques for studying PGPR properties in soil bacteria

In the present study, rhizospheric soil samples were collected from agricultural regions in Erzurum and near locations, and aseptically transferred to the laboratory. Pure bacterial isolates were obtained and active ones were selected by using conventional methods according to the PGPR criteria that include nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and IAA production. Conventional microscopic examinations and molecular techniques were used for identification of the active isolates. Molecular identification of the isolates was done by using PCR with universal primers for 16S rRNA gene region, sequencing of amplicons and the BLAST analysis of NCBI database. These active isolates were then used to develop PCR-based molecular techniques that could be used to investigate these properties. According to the results, 34 active isolates with PGPR property were determined and their molecular characterization was done. In addition, using these isolates, new pairs of specific primers were designed for the nitrogen fixation-related nif, phosphate dissolution-related pqq and IAA production related ipdc gene regions.