Microbial bioinoculants as eco‐friendly tools to enhance growth, productivity, and nutrient density in Himalayan common bean under high‐altitude farming conditions

Abstract

The common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a vital legume crop for advancing global food security, climate‐resilient agriculture, and soil fertility. However, the yields of Western Himalayan common bean remain low due to nutrient‐deficient soils, traditional farming practices, and a lack of improved inputs. This study evaluated the effect of Pseudomonas jesenii  MP1 and Pseudomonas palleroniana N26 for enhancing common bean yield and nutrition under farmer‐managed conditions in Uttarakhand. Both bioinoculants significantly increased crop yield across the years and locations, with improvements ranging from 4.84% to 25.05% compared to the control (untreated). An increase of 22.70% in crop yield was recorded with the N26 treatment, while the highest improvement (25.05%) was recorded in the MP1 treatment. Microbial treatments significantly improved the seed physical traits, including weight, length, width, and thickness. Nutritional analysis indicated that MP1 increased total carbohydrate and protein content, whereas N26 enhanced antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐DPPH assay) and methionine content. A linear mixed model showed significant effects of treatment on yield, protein content, seed thickness, and antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis displayed strong loading of DPPH activity and yield in PC1, while protein and methionine dominated PC2; site clustering reflected microclimatic variability. Pearson's correlation analysis exhibited positive associations among seed physical traits and yield, whereas antioxidant activity and methionine were negatively correlated with protein ( p  < 0.01). The results confirm these strains are effective, sustainable biofertilizers that improve Himalayan common bean yield and nutrition, promoting resource‐efficient agriculture aligned with sustainable development goals 2 and 12.