NAHIDA FATIMA, YAHYA KHAN M. AND ANURADHA B.S.
Abstract
Biosurfactants are emerging as promising biomolecules in sustainable agricultural applications. The primary objective of the present study is to isolate the most promising biosurfactant-producing yeast from various exotic fruits and assess for its plant growth-promoting trait. Among the yeast isolates, YNChG showed the maximum emulsification index (E24%) of 49.93±0.11 and oil displacement activity of 5.03±0.05cm and hence used in subsequent studies. Based on molecular analysis of 18S rRNA, the isolate YNChG is identified as Pichia kudriavzevii. The pearl millet and green gram were used to assess the plant growth-promoting activity of the biosurfactant derived from YNChG using paper towel method. The seeds were coated with the supernatant, biosurfactant, and the pellet obtained from YNChG isolate. The seeds coated with the biosurfactant showed the highest seed vigor index and enhanced germination compared to other seed coatings. Hence, these findings emphasize on the multi-functional property of isolate YNChG as a potential biosurfactant producer and a plant growth promoter, indicating its relevance to sustainable agricultural practices.