Synergistic effect of root-associated bacteria on plant growth and certain physiological parameters of banana plant (Musa acuminata)

Fifty strains of bacteria isolated from banana roots were studied for their plant growth promoting (PGP) activities. Indole -3- acetic acid (IAA) production by root-associated bacteria ranged from 20 to 302 µg ml^?1. Seventeen isolates (34%) were positive for siderophore production and 18 isolates (36%) showed phosphate solubilization. None of the isolates showed potassium solubilization. All the isolates showed growth on nitrogen free Jensen medium. Identification of the bacteria based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolates belonged to genus Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Microbacterium sp and Enterobacter sp. A pot experiment in a greenhouse was conducted to investigate the effect PGP bacteria on banana plant growth and enzyme activities. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plant growth, chlorophyll, total phenolics, proline, catalase and ascorbic acid oxidase in banana plants treated with PGP bacteria as compared to control. However, the plant-growth response was variable and dependent on the bacterial strains, enzyme activity, and growth parameter observed. The present study revealed that bacteria showing multiple PGP activity could be used as biostimulants in enhancing banana production.     

Nodulation competition among Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains as influenced by rhizosphere bacteria and iron availability

Summary Bacteria isolated from the root zones of field-grown soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were examined in a series of glasshouse experiments for an ability to affect nodulation competition among three strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (USDA 31, USDA 110, and USDA 123). Inocula applied at planting contained competing strains of B. japonicum with or without one of eleven isolates of rhizosphere bacteria. Tap-root nodules were harvested 28 days after planting, and nodule occupancies were determined for the bradyrhizobia strains originally applied. Under conditions of low iron availability, five isolates (four Pseudomonas spp. plus one Serratia sp.) caused significant changes in nodule occupancy relative to the corresponding control which was not inoculated with rhizosphere bacteria. During subsequent glasshouse experiments designed to verify and further characterize these effects, three fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. consistently altered nodulation competition among certain combinations of bradyrhizobia strains when the rooting medium did not contain added iron. This alteration typically reflected enhanced nodulation by USDA 110. Two of these isolates produced similar, although less pronounced, effects when ferric hydroxide was added to the rooting medium. The results suggest that certain rhizosphere bacteria, particularly fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., can affect nodulation competition among strains of R. japonicum. An additional implication is that iron availability may be an important factor modifying interactions involving the soybean plant, B. japonicum, and associated microorganisms in the host rhizosphere.Paper No. 10648 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC 27695-7601, USA     

砒砂岩中植物促生芽孢杆菌的筛选及其对土壤的改良作用

[目的]筛选砒砂岩土壤中植物促生芽孢杆菌,为微生物强化植物改良砒砂岩土壤的科学设想提供资源和技术基础。[方法]以产生植物激素IAA(indole acetic acid)、铁载体和生物膜为筛选指标,从内蒙古砒砂岩区土壤和植物样品中筛选植物促生芽孢杆菌,采用盆栽试验探究植物促生芽孢杆菌改良砒砂岩土壤特性和促进苜蓿和黑麦草生长的作用。[结果]筛选到的12株芽孢杆菌产生IAA、铁载体和生物膜的能力不同,分别属于Bacillus halotolerans,B.atrophaeus,B.siamensis和B.zhangzhouensis种群。与对照相比,B.halotolerans P75能够显著增加砒砂岩土壤的有机质含量(24.7%)、速效磷含量(11.9%)和速效钾含量(21.0%)等养分指标,每1 g土壤可培养细菌达到7.4 lg CFU,土壤蔗糖酶活性显著增强(58.8%)。接种B.halotolerans P75后,在砒砂岩土壤中生长的苜蓿和黑麦草干重增加22.3%～81.5%,[结论]从生长于砒砂岩土壤的苜蓿根内筛选到B.halotolerans P75,可提高砒砂岩土壤肥力,促进苜蓿和黑麦草生长,具有强化植物改良砒砂岩土壤的潜力。     

Synergistic effects of the inoculation with nitrogen‐fixing and phosphate‐solubilizing rhizobacteria on the performance of field‐grown chickpea

The synergistic effects of nitrogen‐fixing and phosphate‐solubilizing rhizobacteria on plant growth, yield, grain protein, and nutrient uptake of chickpea plants were determined in a sandy clay‐loam soil. Legume grain yield and concentration and uptake of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were significantly increased as a result of co‐inoculation with Mesorhizobium and P‐solubilizing Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. The inoculation with M. ciceri RC4 + A. chroococuum A10 + Bacillus PSB9 tripled the seed yield and resulted in highest grain protein (295 mg g^–1) at 145 d after sowing (DAS). An 8% increase in P concentration above the uninoculated control was observed in case of a single inoculation with Pseudomonas PSB 5, while the P uptake was highest (2.14‐fold above the uninoculated control) with a combined inoculation with [M. ciceri RC4 + A. chroococcum A10 + Bacillus PSB 9] at 145 DAS. The highest N concentration and N uptake at 145 DAS (81% and 16% above the uninoculated control, respectively) were observed with the triple inoculation of [M. ciceri RC4 + A. chroococcum A10 + Pseudomonas PSB 5). These findings show that multiple inoculations with rhizospheric microorganisms can promote plant growth and grain yield and increase concentrations and uptake of N and P by field‐grown chickpea.     

Effects on yield and nutrition of mycorrhizal and nodulated Pueraria phaseoloides exerted by P-solubilizing rhizobacteria

We studied the effect of bacteria involved in rock phosphate (four isolates), iron phosphate (two isolates), and aluminium phosphate (two isolates) solubilization, and two phytate-mineralizing bacteria in terms of their interaction with two Glomus spp. on Pueraria phaseoloides growth and nutrition. The plant —Rhizobium sp. — mucorrhiza symbiosis system may increase in yield and nutrition in association with specific rhizosphere bacteria that solubilize calcium, iron, and aluminium phosphates. No benefit from phytate-mineralizing bacteria was found under these experimental conditions. P. phaseloides growth responses were influenced in different ways by specific combinations of the selected bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Considerable stimulation of nutrient uptake was observed with fungus-bacteria combinations of Azospirillum sp. 1, Bacillus sp. 1 or Enterobacter (spp. 1 or 2) associated with G. mosseae. The fact that Bacillus sp. 1, a calcium-phosphate solubilizing isolate, positively interacted with G. mosseae and negatively with G. fasciculatum is an indication of specific functional compatibility between the biotic components integrated in the system. From our results, the interactions between bacterial groups able to solubilize specific phosphate and mycorrhizal fungi cannot be interpreted as occurring only via P solubilization mechanisms since no generalized effect was obtained. Iron-phosphate solubilizing microorganisms were more active alone than in dual associations with Glomus sp., but the aluminium-phosphate dissolving isolates positively interacted in mycorrhizal plants. Further work is needed in this area in order to elucidate the mechanisms that affect rhizosphere microorganism interactions. G. mosseae was more effective but less infective than G. fasciculatum in most of the combined treatments.     

Endophytic bacteria from selenium-supplemented wheat plants could be useful for plant-growth promotion,biofortification and Gaeumannomyces graminis biocontrol in wheat production

In this study, we isolated putative plant-growth-promoting endophytic bacteria from selenium-supplemented wheat grown under field conditions. These bacterial strains belonged to Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter genera and showed genetic similarly with rhizospheric bacteria isolated in the same Andisol soil and with other endophytic strains previously reported. Strains isolated from selenium-supplemented wheat were highly tolerant to elevated selenium concentration (ranged from 60 to 180 mM), and showed potential plant-growth-promoting capabilities (auxin and siderophore production, phytate mineralization, and tricalcium phosphate solubilization). In addition, some strains like Acinetobacter sp. (strain E6.2), Bacillus sp. (strain E8.1), Bacillus sp., and Klebsiella sp. (strains E5 and E1) inhibited the growth of Gaeumannomyces graminis mycelia in vitro at 100, 50, and 30 %, respectively. These endophytic microorganisms would be useful for dual purposes: selenium biofortification of wheat plants and control of G. graminis, the principal soil-borne pathogen in volcanic soils from southern Chile.     

Influence of nitrogen fertilisation on pasture culturable rhizobacteria occurrence and the role of environmental factors on their potential PGPR activities

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) naturally occur in the rhizospheres of pasture, but still little is understood regarding how soil agricultural practices affect them. Here, we examined the effects of long-term nitrogen (N) fertilisation on the occurrence of potential culturable PGPR in rhizosphere soils from pastures grown in Chilean Andisols. We also evaluated in vitro the effects of organic acids (citric, malic and oxalic acids), metals (Al and Mn) and N supply (urea and ammonium sulphate) on indole acetic acid (IAA) production and phosphorus (P) liberation by selected strains. Compared with non-N-fertilised pasture, N fertilisation significantly increased (30%) the occurrence of culturable phosphobacteria but decreased (7%) the occurrence of IAA-producing rhizobacteria. Most efficient IAA-producing phosphobacteria were identified as Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Serratia. At low pH (4.8), the assays showed that the IAA production by Serratia sp. N0-10LB was increased (31–74%) by organic acids. On the other hand, the IAA production by Pseudomonas sp. N1-55PA was increased two- to fivefold by metals. In all strains, the growth and IAA production were significant decreased by 500 μM of Al, except Serratia sp. N0-10LB, suggesting its potential as PGPR for Chilean Andisols. When urea was added as main N source, the bacterial growth and P utilisation significantly increased compared with ammonium sulphate. The influence of environmental factors that are typical of Chilean Andisols on rhizobacterial communities will provide better management practices to enhance their PGPR functions as well as a better selection biofertilisers to be used in Chilean Andisols.     

Isolation and characterization of rhizosphere auxin producing Bacilli and evaluation of their potency on wheat growth improvement

Enhancement of plant growth by Bacillus is well documented and several mechanisms have been suggested for the phytostimulatory activity of this group of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). In the present work, the PGP potential of plant associated Bacillus spp. and their growth-promoting effect on wheat were studied. Six out of 35 strains were chosen based on seed germination assay, plant growth-promoting abilities, enzymatic function, and auxin production. All tested strains were subjected to pot experiments and their phenotypic and molecular assays were also done. Two Bacillus strains including WhIr-15 and WhIr-12 produce maximum amount of auxin (16.2 and 14 µg ml^?1, respectively). Strain WhIr-15 had just the ability to produce indo-3-acetic acid (IAA), lipase, and protease enzymes. Strain WhIr-12 was also recorded positive for siderophore, auxin production, and phosphorus (P) solubilization. Bacterial IAA production positively correlated with root length (r = 0.875; p ≤ 0.05). Significant enhancement in root weight (71% and 53%) and in panicle weight (91% and 77%) was recorded in WhIr-15 and WhIr-12, respectively, over untreated controls. Based on phenotypic and 16S rDNA sequencing, these two strains belong to Bacillus sp. Based on our results, phytohormone-producing Bacillus sp. can be applied at field level to improve wheat productivity.     

Effects of Single and Dual Applications of Selected Trichoderma and Bacillus Isolates on Performance of Dry Bean Seedlings Grown in Composted Pine Bark Growth Medium under Shadehouse Conditions

A shadehouse pot trial was conducted to study the efficiency of single and dual inoculations with selected Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in composted pine bark (CPB) potting medium. All the plant treatments inoculated with Trichoderma spp. and/or Bacillus spp. had higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm values). Of the treatments, only B. subtilis B69 showed a significant increase (P = 0.02) in Fv/Fm values over the growth period. The Trichoderma and Bacillus treated plants showed increase in dry shoot biomass. The greatest degree of nodulation was observed in Trichoderma and/or Bacillus treated plants. Increase in nitrogen concentrations were observed in leaves of plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates. Only T. atroviride SY3A significantly increased phosphorus concentrations in leaves. These results depict and highlight the role these organisms can play in plant root-plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or plant growth promoting fungi (PGPR/PGPF) interaction in a nutrient-poor growth medium.     

生物质炭介导生防微生物抑制辣椒疫霉的作用

生物质炭可有效防控土传病害,筛选并鉴定出生物质炭介导下的生防微生物,可为研究生物质炭防病机理和强化生物质炭防病效果提供理论依据。本研究首先进行秸秆生物质炭防控辣椒疫病盆栽试验,利用定量PCR和平板计数明确生物质炭在防控辣椒疫病时可富集的已知生防微生物,再通过选择性培养基初筛和定殖复筛筛选出生物质炭可富集的潜在生防微生物菌株,最后研究各菌株在土壤中对辣椒疫霉的抑制作用。结果表明,秸秆生物质炭使根际辣椒疫霉数量显著降低95.1%、辣椒疫病发生率显著降低91.1%,并使具有生防功能的木霉菌、青霉菌、曲霉菌、芽孢杆菌、假单胞菌和鞘氨醇单胞菌数量显著增加2.22倍、4.09倍、3.89倍、2.45倍、1.45倍和1.30倍。通过平板初筛得到可能被生物质炭富集的22株潜在生防菌株。定殖复筛剔除部分假性生物质炭介导菌株,获得可明确被生物质炭富集的2株木霉菌、3株青霉菌、2株曲霉菌、3株芽孢杆菌、3株假单胞菌、3株链霉菌和2株鞘氨醇单胞菌。木霉菌（TR1和TR3）、青霉菌（PE1）、曲霉菌（AS1和AS2）、芽孢杆菌（BA1、BA2和BA3）、假单胞菌（PS1和PS3）、链霉菌（ST1、ST4和ST5）13个菌株可显著削减土壤辣椒疫霉数量。其中,所有木霉菌和曲霉菌菌株（TR1、TR3、AS1和AS2）及芽孢杆菌（BA1和BA2）、假单胞菌（PS1和PS3）和链霉菌（ST1）9个菌株与生物质炭具有显著的协同抑制辣椒疫霉效果。因此,防控辣椒疫病时,木霉菌、曲霉菌、芽孢杆菌、假单胞菌和链霉菌是生物质炭介导下的主要防病微生物。     

Seed Bacterization with Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. Enhances Nutrient Uptake and Growth of Cajanus cajan L.

Among plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. are an important group affecting plant growth. Pigeon pea is an important pulse crop and most of the studies were aimed at using Pseudomonas spp. for pest management in pigeon pea. Seventy-five fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from diverse agroecosystems of India and evaluated for their plant-growth-promoting ability, primarily by the paper cup method. Seventeen selected isolates were further evaluated by short-term pot assay for plant growth promotion. Seeds treated with bacteria showed greater nutrient concentration and growth than the control. Isolate P17 showed significant growth promotion in terms of root length (54.5 cm), dry mass (323 mg), chlorophyll (24 spad units), carbohydrates (21.2 percent), nitrogen (2.45 percent), calcium (1.82 percent), iron (984 ppm), and manganese (564 ppm). Pseudomonas sp. P17 strain was identified as a potential PGPR for nutrient uptake and plant growth promotion in pigeon pea, and this finding paves a way for integrated plant nutrient management in rainfed agroecosystems.     

Dual inoculation of pretransplant stage Oryza sativa L. plants with indigenous vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and fluorescent Pseudomonas spp.

Summary This study examined the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants at the pretransplant/nursery stage to inoculation with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., singly or in combination. The VAM fungi and fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from the rhizosphere of rice plants. In the plants grown in soil inoculated with fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. alone, I found increases in shoot growth, and in root length and fine roots, and decreases in root growth, and P and N concentrations. In contrast, in the plants colonized by VAM fungi alone, the results were the reverse of those of the pseudomonad treatment. Dual inoculation of soil with VAM fungi and fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. yielded plants with the highest biomass and nutrient acquisition. In contrast, the plants of the control treatment had the lowest biomass and nutrient levels. The dual-inoculated plants had intermediate root and specific root lengths. The precentages of mycorrhizal colonization and colonized root lengths were significantly lower in the dual-inoculated treatment than the VAM fungal treatment. Inoculation of plants with fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. suppressed VAM fungal colonization and apparently reduced photosynthate loss to the mycorrhizal associates, which led to greater biomass and nutrient levels in dual-inoculated plants compared with plants inoculated with VAM fungi alone. Dual inoculation of seedlings with fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. and VAM fungi may be preferable to inoculation with VAM alone and may contribute to the successful establishment of these plants in the field.     

烟草根表可培养细菌群落组成及典型菌群的促生特性研究

植物微生物组是维护植物生长发育、提升抗逆防病的重要调控因素。为发挥植物微生物促进烟草生长、改善烟草根区微生态功能作用,本研究从烟草根表分离筛选可培养细菌组,并对不同菌株的促生能力进行测定。结果表明：(1)从烟草根表分离并鉴定出可培养菌株310株,隶属于31个属,其中主要为芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)、假单胞菌属(Pseudomonas);(2)对比分析发现假单胞菌属、芽孢杆菌属、寡养单胞菌属(Stenotrophomonas)和成对杆菌属(Dyadobacter)为4种供试土壤烟草根表共有的细菌类群;(3)对进一步筛选得到的16株菌株进行促生能力的测定,发现6株菌具有固氮能力,5株菌产铁载体,4株菌可溶解无机磷,4株菌产IAA;(4)盆栽试验验证16株菌株的促生效果,其中37.5%的菌株对烟草生长具有显著促进作用,烟草株高、总鲜物质量和地下部干物质量分别比对照提高35.1%、27.9%和30.7%。总之,从烟草根表分离获得多种具有促生能力的菌株,为未来构建促进烟草健康生长的复合菌剂提供了理论基础。     

Characterization of phosphate solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads from the rhizosphere of Aloe vera (L.)

Soil phosphorous (P) deficiency is a major constraint to plant production which is overcome by adding inorganic-phosphate as chemical fertilizers. Fluorescent pseudomonads are the diverse group of bacteria able to mobilize sparingly soluble phosphate form. Total three hundred seven fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates were obtained from the Aloe barbadensis (Miller) rhizosphere. These Pseudomonas strains were further evaluated in vitro for their ability to solubilize phosphate and to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophore and 1-aminocyclopropane 1- carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. Fifty three (36.8%) isolates produced IAA and 52 (36.1%) isolates produced siderophores whereas 36 (25.0%) and 31 (21.5%) isolates produced HCN and ACC deaminase, respectively. A positive correlation existed between siderophore and ACC deaminase producers. Cluster analysis showed rhizosphere as the major factor influencing the ecological distribution and physiological characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing PSB were identified as Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas sp. and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida with highest phosphate solubilization ability. In conclusion, these phosphate solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads would help in understanding their role in phosphorus solubilization and identification of potent phosphorus solubilizers from the rhizosphere of commercially grown A. barbadensis.     

Molecular and functional characterization of bacteria isolated from straw and goat manure based vermicompost

A total of 193 vermicompost bacteria that exhibit antagonistic and biofertilizing potential were isolated from straw and goat manure based vermicompost produced by earthworm Eisenia foetida and taxonomically designated on the basis of their 16S rRNA sequence homology and subsequent molecular phylogeny analysis. Bacteria belonged to three major genera viz., Pseudomonas (15%), Bacillus (57%), Microbacterium (12%) and remaining bacteria comprised of genus Acinetobacter (5%), Chryseobacterium (3%), Arthrobacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Paenibacillus, Rhodococcus, Enterobacter, Rheinheimera and Cellulomonas. Of 193 bacteria, 96 strains (49%) showed antagonistic potential against phytopathogenic fungus. Functional characterization of the bacteria was assessed by the production of protease, cellulase, lipase, xylanase, chitinase, amylase, gelatinase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilization, nitrate reduction, and assimilation of different carbon sources. The bacterial strains showed a varying degree of carbon utilization profiles and majority of them were known to utilize citrate, malonate. A total of 86 strains produced protease (44%) and 99 strains (51%) produced cellulase. 51 strains (26%) produced IAA, 99 strains (51%) produced siderophores and 124 strains (64%) produced ACC deaminase. 52 strains (27%) showed phosphate solubilization while 24 strains (12%) produced HCN. 43 strains (22%) showed antibacterial activity against human pathogens under in vitro conditions. None of the strains tested positive for lipase and chitinase. A total of 31 strains (16%) produced DNase, 80 strains (41%) produced xylanase and 93 strains (48%) produced amylase. Among the vermicompost bacteria reported in the present study, Bacillus was found to be the predominant bacteria followed by Pseudomonas and Microbacterium. Present study, reports the molecular and functional characterization of vermicompost bacteria.     

Co-inoculation of selected nodule endophytic rhizobacterial strains with Rhizobium tropici promotes plant growth and controls damping off in common bean

Production of common bean(Phaseolus vulgaris)is limited by the occurrence of damping off(rhizoctoniosis),which is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani.However,the co-inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)involved in biological control along with diatomic nitrogen(N2)-fixing rhizobia can enhance N nutrition and increase production.In this context,finding microorganisms with synergistic effects that perform these two roles is of fundamental importance to ensure adequate yield levels.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of co-inoculation of nodule endophytic strains of the genera Bacillus,Paenibacillus,Burkholderia,and Pseudomonas with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899,an N2-fixing rhizobial strain,on the biocontrol of damping off and growth promotion in common bean plants.Greenhouse experiments were conducted under axenic conditions using the common bean cultivar Pérola.The first experiment evaluated the potential of the 14 rhizobacterial strains,which were inoculated alone or in combination with CIAT 899,for the control of R.solani.The second experiment evaluated the ability of these 14 rhizobacterial strains to promote plant growth with three manners of N supply:co-inoculation with CIAT 899 at low mineral N supply(5.25 mg N mL^-1),low mineral N supply(5.25 mg N mL^-1),and high mineral N supply(52.5 mg N mL^-1).The use of rhizobacteria combined with rhizobia contributed in a synergistic manner to the promotion of growth and the control of damping off in the common bean.Co-inoculation of the strains UFLA 02-281/03-18(Pseudomonas sp.),UFLA 02-286(Bacillus sp.),and UFLA 04-227(Burkholderia fungorum)together with CIAT 899 effectively controlled damping off.For the common bean,mineral N supply can be replaced by the co-inoculation of CIAT 899 with plant growth-promoting strains UFLA 02-281/02-286/02-290/02-293.Nodule endophytes UFLA02-281/02-286 are promising for co-inoculation with CIAT 899 in the common bean,promoting synergy with rhizobial inoculation and protection against disease.     

抗重金属植物根际细菌的植物促生长特征以及它们对黑芥种子萌发的影响

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that uses plants and their associated microbes to clean up pollutants from the soil, water, and air. In order to select the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR) for phytoremediation of heavy metal contamination, 60 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of two endemic plants, Prosopis laevigata and Spharealcea angustifolia, in a heavy metal-contaminated zone in Mexico. These rhizobacterial strains were characterized for the growth at different pH and salinity, extracellular enzyme production, solubilization of phosphate, heavy metal resistance, and plant growth-promoting(PGP) traits, including production of siderophores and indol-3-acetic acid(IAA). Overall, the obtained rhizobacteria presented multiple PGP traits. These rhizobacteria were also resistant to high levels of heavy metals(including As as a metalloid)(up to 480 mmol L(-1)As(V), 24 mmol L(-1)Pb(Ⅱ), 21 mmol L(-1)Cu(Ⅱ), and 4.5 mmol L(-1)Zn(Ⅱ)). Seven rhizobacterial strains with the best PGP traits were identified as members of Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Curtobacterium, and Microbacterium, and were selected for further bioassay.The inoculation of Brassica nigra seeds with Microbacterium sp. CE3R2, Microbacterium sp. NE1R5, Curtobacterium sp. NM1R1,and Microbacterium sp. NM3E9 facilitated the root development; they significantly improved the B. nigra seed germination and root growth in the presence of heavy metals such as 2.2 mmol L(-1)Zn(Ⅱ). The rhizobacterial strains isolated in the present study had the potential to be used as efficient bioinoculants in phytorremediation of soils contaminated with multiple heavy metals.     

Phosphate-solubilization activity of bacterial strains in soil and their effect on soybean growth under greenhouse conditions

The efficiency of 13 phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB; four Burkholderia sp., five Enterobacter sp., and four Bradyrhizobium sp.) was assessed in a soil plate assay by evaluating soil phosphorus (P) availability. A commercial argentine strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens, was used for comparing solubilizing activity. Burkholderia sp. PER2F, Enterobacter sp. PER3G, and Bradyrhizobium sp. PER2H strains solubilized the largest quantities of P in the soil plate assay after 60 days as compared with the other strains, including the commercial one. The effect of PSB inoculation on growth and nutrient uptake of soybean plants was also studied under greenhouse conditions. Plants inoculated with Burkholderia sp. PER2F had the highest aerial height and showed an appropriate N/P ratio. However, none of the PSB increased P uptake by plants. This suggests that PSB inoculation does not necessarily improve P nutrition in soybean, nor was there any relationship between P availability in the soil plate assay and P content in the soybean shoot in the greenhouse. We concluded that the selection of efficient PSB strains as possible inoculation tools for P-deficient soils should focus on the integral interpretation of soil assays, greenhouse experiments, and field trials.     

Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Yield and Some Fruit Properties of Strawberry

Effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) [(Pseudomonas BA-8 (biological control agent), Bacillus OSU-142 (N₂-fixing), and Bacillus M-3 (N₂-fixing and phosphate solubilizing)] on yield and some fruit properties of strawberry cultivar ‘Selva’ in the province of Erzurum, Turkey in 2002–2003. Foliar + root application of PGPR strains significantly increased yield per plant as compared with the control. Root application of PGPR strains significantly increased total soluble solids, total sugar and reduced sugar, but decreased titratable acidity. It was also determined that bacteria applications have no important effect on the average fruit weight and pH. The results of this study suggested that Pseudomonas BA-8, Bacillus OSU-142 and Bacillus M-3 have potential for increasing yield in strawberry plant.     

Antagonistic effect of Pseudomonas spp. on pathogenic fungi and enhancement of growth of green gram (Vigna radiata)

species were isolated from the rhizosphere of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and some of the rhizobacterial isolates were found to have a wide range of antifungal activity inhibiting growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Aspergillus sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani in culture. These isolates also showed slight inhibition of the growth of a Bradyrhizobium strain (Vigna) in a spot test which was mainly a result of nutrient competition as culture supernatants of the Pseudomonas isolates did not inhibit the growth of bradyrhizobia but inhibited the growth of fungi. The rhizobacterial isolates produced siderophores in Fe-deficient succinate medium. However, the inhibition of fungal growth by different Pseudomonas isolates in Luria Bertani and King's medium B which were not limiting in Fe³⁺ ions suggested that, besides siderophores, other antifungal compounds (antibiotics) produced by these rhizobacteria were involved in antagonism. On coinoculation of green gram with Pseudomonas strains MRS13 and MRS16 and Bradyrhizobium sp. (Vigna) strain S24, there was a significant increase in nodule weight, plant dry weight and total plant N as compared to inoculation with Bradyrhizobium strain S24 alone, suggesting that the nodule-promoting effects of Pseudomonas sp. lead to an increase in symbiotic N fixation and plant growth. Received: 27 October 1997