Augmenting the bioavailability of iron in rice grains from field soils through the application of iron-solubilizing bacteria.

The biofortification approach has been widely used to enhance mineral nutrients in staple foods such as rice (Oryza sativa). In the present study, iron-solubilizing plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) were evaluated for iron fortification of rice grains and NPK via field experiments. Inoculation of iron-solubilizing bacteria showed significant improvements in growth parameters, such as plant height, root and shoot dry weight, panicle length, grain yield, and nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and iron uptake. The mobilization of iron was ranged from 53.88% to 89.05% in rice grains compared to the uninoculated plants. The present study results revealed that application of PGPB strains is vital approach to combat the problem of iron deficiency in rice and subsequently in humans.