Enhancing Anthocyanin Accumulation in Zea mays under Cadmium Stress through Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. Biofertilization

Authors

  • Albarki
  • Munay A. Alteerah university of Benghazi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63359/xzt9qz75

Keywords:

Anthocyanin, Biofertilizers, Cadmium stress, Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp.

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a major constraint to maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation, impairing growth and inducing oxidative stress. Anthocyanins, as potent antioxidants, play a key role in mitigating Cd toxicity, yet their regulation under biofertilizer application remains poorly understood. This study investigated the influence of Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. biofertilization on anthocyanin accumulation in maize seedlings exposed to Cd stress. Seeds were germinated under CdSO₄ concentrations (2, 5, and 10 mM) with or without bacterial inoculation, and anthocyanin content was quantified in leaves and roots after 21 days. Cd stress alone triggered a progressive increase in leaf anthocyanins, while root levels remained low and unchanged. In contrast, co-application of Cd and biofertilizers reduced excessive foliar anthocyanin accumulation and promoted a modest but stable increase in root pigments, suggesting a more balanced distribution of secondary metabolites. These findings indicate that Azotobacter and Azospirillum alleviate Cd-induced oxidative stress by enhancing nutrient status and antioxidant defenses, thereby reducing the need for compensatory anthocyanin overproduction. The results highlight the potential of microbial biofertilizers as eco-friendly strategies to stabilize pigment metabolism, improve stress resilience, and sustain maize productivity under heavy metal contamination.

Author Biographies

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Published

31-08-2026

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Libyan Journal of Ecological and Environmental Science & Technology

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How to Cite

Enhancing Anthocyanin Accumulation in Zea mays under Cadmium Stress through Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. Biofertilization. (2026). Libyan Journal of Ecological & Environmental Sciences and Technology, 8(2), 11-16. https://doi.org/10.63359/xzt9qz75

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