Abstract
Allium hookeri is an indigenous perennial herb known for its therapeutic properties. It's grown in the eastern Himalayas and East Asia, where it is used as a flavoring agent in local cuisines. This research aims to enhance soil phosphorus mobilization and promote A. hookeri growth using a consortium of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). The synergistic effect of a bacterial consortium containing multiple PSBs (Arthrobacter luteolus and several Klebsiella spp.) combined with tricalcium phosphate (TCP), was investigated to enhance the growth of A. hookeri plants, and its influence on modulating the rhizosphere microbiome was also assessed. The greenhouse experiment revealed that the bacterial consortium with tricalcium phosphate (BTCP) treatment enhanced the dry shoot weight by 70%. Proteobacteria dominated the rhizosphere's microbiome in all treatments. BTCP treatment enhanced the relative abundance of several beneficial genera such Bacillus, Mesorhizobium, Pseudomonas, Ensifer, Hyphomicrobium, Planctomyces, and Bradyrhizobium. The augmentation of bacterial consortium increased P in shoots (4.36 ± 0.63 mg/g) and in roots (2.34 ± 0.27 mg/g), which was more than 500% higher as compared to the uninoculated control. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between phosphorus content in the shoot, fresh weight, and dry weight, with higher relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Fibrobacteres. Functional genes related to siderophore biosynthesis, ABC transporters, phosphatenate, and phosphinate metabolism exhibited positive modulation, indicating higher relative abundances associated with the BTCP treatment. The findings demonstrate the crucial contribution of the bacterial consortium in promoting plant development, improving soil nutrient levels, and influencing the rhizospheric microbiota, implying its significance in sustainable agriculture. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04026-2.