Abstract
The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could allow growers to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and increase the sustainability of crop production. Wheat is the main staple food crop of Pakistan, and few studies have reported on the impact of PGPR on wheat crops. To determine if PGPR can maintain wheat productivity with reduced fertilizer applications, we isolated bacteria from the rhizosphere of wheat grown in sandy loam. We selected 10 strains based on in vitro assays for traits associated with PGPR: ACC deaminase activity, siderophore productivity, P-solubilization, and productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA). Furthermore, the strains were tested in three experiments (using a growth-chamber, pots with an experimental area of 0.05 m2, and a field). Strains that possessed the four traits associated with PGPR increased the shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry weight of plants in the growth chamber study. Similarly, under the pot trial, maximum crop traits were observed under the consortium + half dose, while under field conditions maximum crop parameters were detected in the case of consortium 1 and consortium 2 along with half the recommended dose of fertilizer. This confirms that this consortium could provide growers with a sustainable approach to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage in wheat production.
Highlights
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of free-living bacteria that can enhance plant growth and crop yield through several mechanisms
Maximum ACC activity was observed in case of strain RA-8 (782 nmol h−1) (Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. neoaurantiaca), and the minimum was observed in RA-4 (475 nmol h−1) (Pseudomonas corrugata)
Extensive use of inorganic fertilizers leads to the dangerous ecological effects, and the biological approaches such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could be recommended to prevent further deterioration of the environment
Summary
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of free-living bacteria that can enhance plant growth and crop yield through several mechanisms. PGPR can produce hormones that stimulate plant growth, make nutrients available, fix atmospheric nitrogen, act as bio-control agents, and improve soil structure [1]. Soil bacteria produce a special type of organic acid, i.e., carboxylic acid [2], decreasing rhizosphere soil pH and dissociating bound forms of calcium phosphate in calcareous soil. Soil bacteria help to increase uptake as well as the availability of nutrients for plants [3]. The advantageous effects of PGPR on growth and productivity are well documented and have been correlated with the production of phytohormones and higher nutrient supply [4]. Some potential bacterial candidates for biofertilizer include genera such as Azospirillium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azotobacter, Enterobacter, Burkholderia, Acinetobacter, Rhizobium, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, and Jeotgalicoccus, etc. [5]
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