PJB-2022-266
EXPLOITATION OF PLANT BENEFICIAL RHIZOBACTERIA FROM ZEA MAYS (MAIZE) RHIZOSPHERE AND THEIR PROSPECT USE AS MICROBIAL INOCULANTS
BUSHRA IQBAL
Abstract
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are residing in the rhizosphere of plants and play a significant role in improving the growth and yield of crops by direct or indirect mechanisms. The necessity of rhizobacteria in agriculture sector cannot be denied due to its eco-friendly characteristics as well as an effective alternative to chemical fertilizers. Inoculation of PGPR species can increase the growth attributes like leaf area, chlorophyll content, total biomass and crop yield. This study is focused on the isolation and physiological characterization of the PGPR having excellent PGP traits. Total 58 bacterial strains were isolated and tested for PGP traits such as Indole acetic acid, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation and antagonism activity. This study provides comprehensive information about PGP traits. Out of 58 pure strains, 37% were efficient in phosphorous solubilizing, 34% in producing Indole acetic acid, 20% in forming the halo zone on zinc agar plate and 74% strains were able to inhabit the growth of plant pathogen, Fusarium Solani. On the basic of these results, four isolates with maximum PGP traits were selected for pot trails. Out of these 4 strains MM1, R5 and NFM 7 showed great impact on the plant growth and showed 53.8% increase in shoot length, 96.4% root length and 80.7% fresh weight respectively. These PGPR isolates can be used as a biofertilizers in future to make agriculture sustainable and eco-friendly.
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