Novel microbial technologies for optimizing maize plant–soil systems: the multifunctional strain Enterobacter sp. ES1

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a new microbial technology has emerged to optimize maize field productivity and soil health. This is crucial because of the adverse effects of pesticide contamination and diseases on maize yields. RESULTS: nicosulfuron. Strain ES1 could fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus and potassium. It also detoxified potassium and produced chrome azurol S and indole-3-acetic acid. Moreover, it promoted rapid maize seed germination, induced resistance to northern maize leaf blight, and up-regulated maize genes ZmOPR2, ZmPR5, ZmHPL, ZmOX10, ZmPAL, ZmPR1, ZmAOS, and ZmCTR1. Strain ES1R-gfp, prepared using green fluorescent protein and antibiotic domestication methods, functioned as a bacterial fertilizer with 31.04% sawdust, 32.96% straw, and 12.15% biochar, exhibiting a degradation rate of 99.65%. CONCLUSION: The novel microbial technology of the multifunctional strain ES1 was verified through a pot experiment assessing nicosulfuron concentration and plant and soil indices, thereby providing a foundation for optimizing maize field restoration. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.