Dual-Functional Rhizobium dioscoreae Q9a for Glyphosate Biodegradation and Plant Growth Promotion: Insights into the Degradation Kinetics, Catabolic Pathways, Beneficial Properties, and Underlying Enzymatic Mechanisms.
Huang Y, Lei Q, Chen Z, Liu M, Chen WJ
Phytoremediation
If you grow food in soil that's ever been treated with Roundup or generic glyphosate, this bacterium could one day be added like a probiotic to clean up residues while simultaneously helping your plants take up phosphorus and grow stronger roots.
Researchers found a naturally occurring bacterium in soil that can break down glyphosate — the world's most widely used weed killer — while also acting like a fertilizer helper for plants. It dissolves locked-up phosphorus so plants can absorb it, and produces a natural growth hormone that encourages root development. The team also pinpointed the exact spot on the key enzyme that does the glyphosate-busting work, which could help engineer even more effective soil cleanup tools.
Key Findings
Strain Q9a degraded 50 mg/L of glyphosate within 9 days in liquid culture
The bacterium produced 45 μg/mL of the plant growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid and solubilized up to 150 mg/L of insoluble phosphate
Molecular analysis identified Serine-38 (Ser38) as the critical active site on enzyme GoxD responsible for breaking down glyphosate
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists discovered a soil bacterium that breaks down glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) while also helping plants grow — offering a potential two-in-one solution for cleaning up herbicide-contaminated farm soils and boosting crop health.
Abstract Preview
The extensive and persistent application of glyphosate has led to its accumulation in agricultural soils, creating potential ecological and health risks. In this study, a novel glyphosate-degrading...
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Was this useful?
Want to tell us more? (optional)
Thanks for the note!
Something went wrong — please try again.
Too many submissions. Try again in an hour.
Chloroplast Genome Editing Eliminates Gluten Immunogenicity in Triticum aestivum
It could mean that people with celiac disease — roughly 1 in 100 worldwide — may one day safely eat bread made from real wheat, without sacrificing the taste...