Halobacteria were tested as solutions for increasing agricultural productivity in high salinity soils. Halotolerants produce osmoprotectants, such as ectoine and betaine, which can be applied to plants to enhance their salinity endurance. Sixteen halotolerant bacteria were isolated from six coastal areas in South Korea. After optimizing culture conditions, lettuce was grown for three weeks with a treatment divided into four groups. By comparing the dry weight and leaf area, it was proven that the bacteria increased plant growth rate and reduced salinity stress. Based on the Optimal Partitioning Theorem, further experiments involving the cultivation of Selenastrum capricornutum in saline environment proved betaine’s effectiveness in replacing other macromolecules in cell tissues.

Scientific field

Environment

Country

South Korea

Contestants

Yongchan Hong
Yunji Seo