PRODUCT
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
Endophytic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a Gram-negative, endophytic, nitrogen-fixing bacterium originally discovered in sugarcane. Unlike most nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live freely in soil or form nodules, G. diazotrophicus resides inside plant tissues (roots, stems, and leaves), providing a direct and continuous source of nitrogen to the host. It improves nutrient efficiency, enhances plant growth, and contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Biology & Mode of Action
G. diazotrophicus colonizes the internal tissues of plants—particularly sugarcane, coffee, maize, and rice—forming a symbiotic endophytic relationship. Within the plant, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen (Nâ‚‚) into ammonia (NH₃) through the nitrogenase enzyme system, which the plant immediately assimilates into amino acids and proteins.
Benefits to Agriculture
Biological Nitrogen Fixation
G. diazotrophicus can fix up to 150 kg N/ha/season, reducing or eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers. In crops like sugarcane and coffee, nitrogen derived from this bacterium significantly enhances plant biomass, chlorophyll content, and sugar yield.
Enhanced Root and Shoot Growth
The phytohormones secreted by G. diazotrophicus promote vigorous root systems and robust shoots, improving plant establishment and resilience to environmental stress.
Improved Nutrient Uptake
Beyond nitrogen, the bacterium enhances phosphorus, zinc, and iron uptake through chelation and organic acid release. This results in more balanced nutrition and greater nutrient-use efficiency.
Stress Tolerance
The bacterium strengthens plants against drought and salinity stress by regulating osmotic balance and stimulating antioxidant activity.
Biofertilizer Production
G. diazotrophicus is used in commercial inoculants designed for sugarcane, coffee, and cereals. Its ability to thrive in high-sugar and acidic conditions makes it ideal for tropical agriculture and low-fertility soils.
Waste Management and Composting
The bacterium enhances decomposition and nitrogen enrichment in organic waste and sugarcane byproducts like filter cake and bagasse, supporting circular nutrient recovery systems.
Food and Beverage Industry
Due to its acid tolerance and ability to metabolize sucrose, G. diazotrophicus is explored for bioethanol production enhancement in sugar-based fermentation industries.
Animal Feed and Soil Amendment
Residues enriched with G. diazotrophicus offer higher protein and nutrient content, improving feed quality and nutrient recycling in integrated farming systems.
Industrial Applications
Future Research and Applications
Research continues to expand the potential of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus in non-legume crops like maize, rice, and wheat, aiming to create a new generation of biofertilizers for cereals. Current innovations include:
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Seed and foliar inoculant formulations for large-scale use.
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Co-inoculation with phosphate- and potassium-solubilizing bacteria for balanced nutrition.
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Integration into carbon-smart agriculture for climate-resilient, low-emission crop production.