Plant growth-promoting activities of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas fluorescens on Capsicum annuum L. plants

Abstract

India employs the Solanaceae family plant chili, Capsicum annuum L., for its pungency and flavor. It has been used as a spice because of its delicious flavor and zest, which contribute to the minerals, vitamins, and other culinary ingredients it contains. The objectives of the present study were to determine the plant growth-promoting activities of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas fluorescens on the chili plant. The PGPR characteristics, i.e., phosphate solubilizing, IAA, NH3, HCN production, and antifungal activity, were determined in vitro. The bio-formulations were prepared using sawdust and rice husk. The highest plant growth of Serratia marcescens in sawdust was obtained at 75 days in media containing sawdust as a carbon source and carboxymethyl cellulose as a carrier source. The effect of different compositions of bio-formulation on chili plants demonstrated the potential of Serratia marcescens in sawdust bio-formulation, followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens in sawdust.