Biodegradation Potential of Glyphosate by Rhizobacteria Isolated from Tithonia diversifolia: Characterization, Glyphosate Degrading, and Molecular Identification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.12865Keywords:
Bioremediation, Glyphosate, Isolation, Rhizobacteria, Tithonia diversifoliaAbstract
Glyphosate is a widely used broad-spectrum systemic herbicide that effectively controls weeds by inhibiting the synthesis of specific amino acids for the formation of plant proteins. Improper and repeated use can lead to the accumulation of residue in the soil, which may remain strongly absorbed over an extended period. Investigations into the biodegradation of glyphosate in soil under various environmental conditions are crucial for bioremediation efforts. Recently, a further step has been taken considering the use of rhizobacteria for the removal of glyphosate herbicide. Our research aimed to isolate naturally occurring rhizobacteria from Tithonia diversifolia (as a source of green manure) and assess the critical ecological factors influencing their growth and glyphosate degradation. Screening began by cultivating a one gram of T. diversifolia rhizosphere soil sample in Nutrient Broth (NB) media containing 15 mg mL−1 glyphosate for a week. The six isolates initially obtained were further subcultured in Nutrient agar (NA) containing nutrient agar and 15 mg mL−1 glyphosate. The morphological and physiological properties, phosphate solubilization, and IAA production were used in isolate characterization, in addition to glyphosate biodegradation. Only two isolates, TBr1 and TBr12, have shown the capacity to survive and biodegrade glyphosate. Both isolates exhibit optimal pH levels above 6.0 and optimal activity at 30 °C, demonstrating the fastest growth rates and abilities to break down glyphosate by 67% and 76%, respectively, within 7 days. Tested in a medium minus carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus sources, both isolates showed the ability to hydrolyze glyphosate through CN and CP bonds. However, they had different CP lyase efficacy in metabolizing glyphosate. Based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, TBr1 was identified as Burkholderia cepacia strain TBr1, and TBr12 as the Bacillus velezensis strain TBr12. Therefore, the ability of both isolates to degrade glyphosate, produce IAA, and dissolve phosphates makes them promising candidates for removing these emerging contaminants from the environment.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Glyphosate inhibits EPSP synthase, potentially damaging the microbiome and soil ecosystems.
- The research focus is on the isolation and characterization of glyphosate-degrading rhizobacteria from Tithonia diversifolia.
- The strains Burkholderia cepacia TBr1 and Bacillus velezensis TBr1 hydrolyze glyphosate by 67% and 76%, respectively, within one week at a concentration of 15 mg mL-1.
- Both strains have the potential to serve as bioremediation agents for glyphosate contamination.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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