Endophytic bacterial inoculation enhances survival and photochemical performance of the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum seedlings

Increasing soil salinisation calls for sustainable restoration strategies. Halophytes and their plant growth-promoting (PGP) endophytic bacteria offer high biotechnological potential for habitat recovery and conservation of regionally endangered species like Halocnemum strobilaceum . This study evaluated the effects of an inoculation regime with PGP endophytes isolated from H. strobilaceum on the germination, early growth and photochemical performance of this halophyte. Seed germination, growth parameters and chlorophyll-a fluorescence kinetics were measured across five treatments: a non-inoculated control, three individual bacterial strains (TE3, TE11, TE14) and a bacterial consortium (TE3+TE11+TE14). Although final germination and morphological growth parameters were not significantly affected, bacterial inoculation significantly improved seedling survival. The consortium produced the most pronounced effect, increasing survival to 25% compared to 8% in the control. Furthermore, consortium-treated seedlings exhibited enhanced phenomenological energy fluxes, reflecting improved PSII performance. Overall, native microbial consortia represent valuable tools for restoring extreme saline ecosystems and conserving endangered species.