Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria enhance the growth and yield but not phosphorus uptake of canola (Brassica napus L.)

The ability of phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria to enhance the growth and phosphorus uptake of canola (Brassica napus L., cv. Legend) was studied in potted soil experiments in the growth chamber. One hundred and eleven bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of field-grown plants, and a collection of nine bacteria known to be effective plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), were screened for P-solubilization in vitro. All rhizobacteria were identified using whole-cell fatty acids methyl ester (FAME) profiles. The best P-solubilizing isolates were two Bacillus brevis strains, B. megaterium, B. polymyxa, B. sphaericus, B. thuringiensis, and Xanthomonas maltophilia (PGPR strain R85). The P-solubilizers were tested for their effects on growth and P-uptake of canola plants in a P-deficient soil amended with rock phosphate. Although some of the P-solubilizing rhizobacteria significantly increased plant height or pod yield, none increased P-uptake. The most effective inoculant was a B. thuringiensis isolate which significantly increased the number and weight of pods and seed yield without rock phosphate. Xanthomonas maltophilia increased plant height, whereas the other bacilli increased the number on weight of pods. These results demonstrate the potential use of these P-solubilizing rhizobacteria as inoculants for canola, but indicate that P-solubilization was not the main mechanism responsible for positive growth response. Received: 8 February 1996