Abstract
This study examined the influence of biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) on the root growth of Hevea seedling under greenhouse conditions. Morphologically different bacteria and fungi were isolated from rubber root rhizosphere and investigate their efficiency of biofilm formation. Prepared biofilm biofertilizer was applied with different rates of chemical fertilizers. Growth promoting effect of BFBFs coinoculation was evaluated with rubber seedlings growing in microcosms. Root growth was evaluated at the end of the experiment. It was observed that, BFBFs application as compared to inorganic fertilizer application only treatment increased root growth of the seedling rubber plants. The response of BFBFs was more pronounced than that of full recommended inorganic fertilizer application. These findings contribute to the understanding of the interplay between BFBFs and rubber seedlings at nursery stage. Importantly, co-inoculation with BFBFs at nursery stage could be effective biofertilization strategy for rubber seedling production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jepsl.v3i2.7844 Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2014 Vol. 3 No. 2: 25-40
Highlights
Rubber plantations were first established in Sri Lanka at the beginning of the 20thcentury
Roots collected from all sites were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) (Difco) and nutrient agar (NA) (Difco) plates for the isolation of rhizosphere fungi and bacteria respectively (Parkinson et al, 1971)
Distinct ten bacterial isolates were selected for further studies
Summary
Rubber plantations were first established in Sri Lanka at the beginning of the 20thcentury. Since many individual plantations have under grown 3 or 4 planting cycles. Among the organic nutrient sources, bio fertilizers have been recognized as economical alternatives for imported fertilizers, because they are less bulky compared to organic fertilizers. Considerable attention has been focused recently on microbial interference on biofilm formation in the environment and their potential to increase nutrient availabilities in the soils. A biofilm consists of microbial cells (algal, fungal, bacterial and / or other microbial) and an extra cellular biopolymer. These cells produce exo-polysaccharide, (EPS) which provide structure and protection to the community (Seneviratne, 2003)
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