MSc Thesis Defense: Sarah Ashar, DISCOVERY OF NOVEL THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA FROM HOT SPRINGS AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE AS PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING BACTERIA IN CANOLA (Brassica napus L. cv. Süzer), Date & Time: 22 July, 2026 – 3:00 PM, Place: FENS G025
DISCOVERY OF NOVEL THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA FROM HOT SPRINGS AND THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE AS PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING BACTERIA IN CANOLA
(Brassica napus L. cv. Süzer)
Sarah Ashar
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, MSc Thesis, 2026
Thesis Jury
Prof. Levent Ozturk (Thesis Advisor)
Asst. Prof. Stuart James Lucas
Prof. Ali Coşkan
Date & Time: 22nd, July 2026 - 3:00 PM
Place: FENS G025
Zoom Link: https://sabanciuniv.zoom.us/j/
Keywords: geothermal springs, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, plant growth-promoting bacteria, biofertilizers, Brassica napus L. cv. Süzer, sulfur mineralization.
Abstract
Geothermal hot springs are unique ecosystems hosting diverse extremophilic microorganisms capable of thriving in extreme environmental conditions. Turkiye holds numerous promising geothermal environments, yet they remain to be studied for their microbial diversity and agricultural potential. In addition, the steady decline of sulfur availability in croplands worldwide has become an increasing challenge, highlighting the need for environmentally sustainable solutions to boost sulfur nutrition and crop productivity. This study focuses on isolating and characterizing thermophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from a previously unexplored geothermal spring located in Başiskele, Kocaeli, and investigates their potential as biofertilizers to enhance sulfur phytoavailability and promote the growth of model crop Brassica napus L. cv. Süzer. The methodology was multi-phased with site sampling, bacterial isolation, characterization, and identification. The bacterial isolates were used to inoculate canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Süzer) seeds grown under sulfur-deficient and sulfur-adequate conditions, and plant growth was determined based on chlorophyll content, plant height, leaf number, shoot biomass, and sulfur concentration. The isolates showed promising effects on shoot biomass and sulfur concentration, as well as exhibiting notable metabolic capacity and environmental adaptability in biochemical tests, indicating their potential as microbial biofertilizers, especially under conditions of environmental stress and low sulfur phytoavailability. This study sheds light on the agricultural potential of thermophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and provides a foundation for their future use as sustainable biofertilizers for enhancing nutrient cycling, boosting crop productivity, and reducing the need for conventional chemical fertilizers.