Date of Completion

4-24-2024

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Discipline

Biology (BIOL)

First Advisor

Dr. Michelle Lum

Abstract

The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (BWER) is home to many California native plant species which contribute to ecosystem services of flood and erosion mitigation, water quality improvement, carbon sequestration, and habitat provisions for threatened and endangered species. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve plant tolerance to abiotic stressors and suppress pathogens through the alteration of nutrient absorption, water uptake, and enzymatic activity, and have potential in conservation strategies by aiding revegetation methods. Eight bacterial strains were isolated from native Frankenia salina and Baccharis pilularis in the BWER to determine whether these microbes act as PGPR. The strains were characterized using PGPR biochemical assays such as phosphate solubilization, cellulase activity, and salt tolerance. Results have shown that all strains are negative for phosphate solubilization while four strains demonstrate cellulase activity, seven strains are tolerant of 5% NaCl and five are tolerant of 10% NaCl. The high salt tolerance of these bacteria may be contributing to the salt tolerance of native species in the BWER. Given these findings, in vitro germination and growth assays using Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia seeds were carried out to determine the role of these microbes in facilitating the restoration of native coastal species in the BWER.

Download

Share

COinS