Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of nine plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alone or in combination on maize seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The germination and growth tests were carried out in square petri dishes and pots. Maize seeds were inoculated with suspension of 108 CFU/ml of rhizobacteria. The experimental device was a random block of 16 treatments with four repetitions. Germination test results showed that seeds inoculated with PGPR including the control induced good germination in the range of 93.75% to 100%. The vigor index and root length of the seeds treated with Bacillus panthothenicus were significantly improved by 76.64% and 58.86%, respectively, while the maximal lengths of the seedlings were obtained with Pseudomonas cichorii with an increase of 118.95%. In greenhouse experience, data demonstrated that Serratia marcescens better improved the leaf area, height and underground biomass, respectively by 58.83%, 108.43%, and 59.16% as compared to the control. The highest fresh aerial biomass and air dry matter was obtained with plants treated only with Pseudomonas putida. These results show the potential to use such rhizobacteria as biofertilizers to improve maize productivity in Benin.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world [1] [2]
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of nine plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alone or in combination on maize seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory and greenhouse conditions
Seeds inoculated with P. cichorii, B. panthothenicus, and S. marcescens induced an improvement in seedling length up to 118.95%, 110.74% and 85.62% respectively, compared to non-inoculated seeds
Summary
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world [1] [2]. In Benin, maize production plays a strategic role in the food security of rural and urban populations and provides income for farmers [3]. The practice of maize cultivation represents a source of permanent and part-time jobs for more than one million Beninese [4] It is the most consumed cereal by the population and nearly a 1/3 of agricultural areas sown are devoted for its production [5] [6]. The production of maize in order to ensure food safety and substantial income to producers is still dependent on the intensive use of mineral fertilizers. The method of inoculation of cultures by microorganisms such as PGPR “Plant Growth promoting Rhizobacteria” is considered a promising strategy to ensure the maintenance and regularity of production without health risk and with less dependence on chemical fertilizers. In southern Benin, [20] reported that inoculation of maize grains by PGPR Rhizobacteria improved seed germination and controlled growth of maize plants. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of nine (09) rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated and identified in central and northern Benin on in vitro germination and growth of maize under greenhouse
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
