Plant Growth Quality Research Articles

Seed germination and seedling growth of five desert plants and their relevance to vegetation restoration.

Due to significant decreases in precipitation in northern China, knowledge of the response of seed germination and plant growth characteristics to key limiting factors is essential for vegetation restoration. We examined seed germination under different temperatures and water potentials, and we examined seedling growth under different amounts of water supply. Experiments were carried out in automatic temperature‐, humidity‐, and light‐controlled growth chambers. Under low water potentials, the final germination percentages of four herbaceous species were high, while seed germination of the shrub species Caragana microphylla was significantly inhibited. Under the different water supply amounts, seedlings of Agropyron cristatum allocated more biomass to the root and had a higher growth rate than those of Elymus dahuricus and C. microphylla. In light of these results and drier environmental conditions (annual mean precipitation is 366 mm, which falling mainly between June and August), potential selections for revegetation of different landscapes include the following: A. cristatum for shifting sand dunes, the establishment of the pioneer species Agriophyllum squarrosum, C. microphylla for semifixed sand dunes, E. dahuricus for fixed sand dunes, and Melilotus suaveolens and Medicago sativa for cultivation.

Evaluation of Carnation Cultivars; and Nitrogen and Indole Acetic Acid for Their Growth, Yield and Quality in Khumaltar, Nepal

Carnation is an important cut flower in Nepal. Several cultivars imported from abroad are being adopted for their commercial production. However, the performance of these cultivars in the specific agro-climate has not yet determined. Thus, study aimed to evaluate the performance of common cultivars, including mineral nutrition and IAA hormone on the plant growth and flowering. The study was carried out in Horticulture Research Division, Khumaltar, Nepal during 2012 and 2013. Four cultivars: King Lion, Delson, Eskimo and White Liberty including nitrogen and foliar application of IAA were evaluated for plant growth and floral characteristics. The experiment was held in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications.Based on the results, cultivar King Lion had significantly highest plant height (20.66 cm), while cultivar Eskimo had the highest flower stem length (53.59 cm) and stem diameter (5.63 cm) followed by Delson (51.66 cm). The lower flower stems lengths of cultivars: White Liberty (42.48 cm) and King Lion (43.87 cm) were at par. The effect of mineral nutrition and hormone on plant height, flower stem length and flower head diameter was non-significant, however, IAA 25 ppm foliar spray was found superior over N 40 g/m2 and IAA 50 ppm applications. Thus, Eskimo is recommended as the excellent cultivar for its bigger flower stem, straightness and attractive flower looking, while cultivars; Delson and White Liberty as promising for higher flower yield. Similarly, soil application of nitrogen @ 40 g/m2 and foliar spray of auxin @ 25 ppm are recommended for higher flower yield.

PRODUCTIVITY OF Panicum maximum FERTILIZED WITH DIFFERENT TYPES AND DOSAGE BIO SLURRY

This experiment to determine the productivity of Panicum maximum with different types and doses of bio slurry. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for 3 months. The design was complete Randomized Design (RAL), factorial pattern . The factor were firstly the types of bio slurry; these types consisted of cow dung bio slurry (BS) and pig manure bio slurry (BB). The second factors was bio slurry fertilizer dosage , which were as a control without any fertelizer (D0); fertilizer dosage of 10 tons / ha (D1); 20 tons / ha (D2); and 30 tons / ha (D3). Variables Observed include plant growth, production, and growth characteristics. The results showed that there was interaction between different types and dosage of bio slurry fertilizer on plant height variables, and total leaves of Panicum maximum cv. Trichoglume. Pig manure bio slurry at 30 tons/ha dose gave the best growth and production of Panicum maximum cv. Trichoglume. It can be concluded that both types of bio slurry were able to increase growth and production of the grass and in this study pig manure bioslurry (BB) with 30 tons/ha dosage gave the best result.
 Keywords: growth, production, panicum maximum, bio slurry

Uji Daya Hasil 10 Galur Cabai Rawit ( Capsicum annuum L. ) IPB di Kecamatan Dramaga, Bogor

Chili is an important vegetable commodity in Indonesia. Chilli can be used for cooking ingredients and used as a basic ingredient in the food industry. This study aims to evaluate some quantitative characters and qualitative characters as an indicator of yield as a reference for obtaining lines that can be nominated into new varieties. Research was been carried out from February to July 2018 at the Leuwikopo Experimental Garden, IPB. The height of the research site was ± 197 m above sea level. The design used in this study was Randomized Complete Block Design with a single factor, namely genotype. The number of genotypes that being used consists of 10 test genotypes, and 5 comparison varieties with 3 repetitions. Thus, there was total 45 experimental units. The research outcome was that the lines tested showed significant effect and had differences between the ten test lines except for the flowering age character. Lines F8160291-9-4-3-2-1-1 and F6145291-115-8-1-1 were lines that had better plant growth characteristics. The fruit characteristics of the lines F8160291-3-12-5-4-51-1 and F6145291-14-9-3-12 had good fruit weight and fruit length compared to all comparison varieties. Based on the correlation analysis, the character of the number of fruit and weight of fruit were very important to determine the performance of the plant. Line F8160291-3-12-5-4-51-1 and F6145291-14-9-3-12, F8160291-9-4-3-2-1-1, and F6145291-115-8-1-1 had potential character to be released as new varieties. Keywords: Capsicum annuum L., genotype, preliminary yield test, chili pepper

Influence of Gluconacetobactor diazotrophicus inoculation on growth and yield of banana cv Grand Naine

A field study was conducted with experiment laid out in randomized block design having 11 treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and GRDF ie RDF combined with different bio-fertilizers to know their effects on growth and yield of banana cv Grand Naine. The plant growth characters viz pseudo-stem height, girth and number of leaves per plant were influenced significantly due to different treatments. The yield contributing parameters viz number of hands per bunch, fingers per bunch and bunch weight per plant also differed significantly due to different treatments. It was observed that the application of 75 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen along with recommended dose of phosphorus and potassium through chemical fertilizer with 10 kg FYM + 25 g Acetobactor + 25 g phosphate solubilizing bacteria per plant proved superior over other treatments in respect of improvement in plant growth and yield attributes and highest monetory return mainly due to saving of 25 per cent nitrogen.

Assessment of Different PGPR Formulations as a Biological Fertilizer in Cultivation of Poinsettia (<i>Euphorbia pulcherrima</i>)

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.ex Klotzsch.) is one of the most important potted plants. This research was carried out to determine effects of different PGPR formulations, chemical fertilizers and their combinations on plant growth characteristics and nutrient content of growing medium in two different cultivars (Christmas Feelings and Christmas Eve) of poinsettia. The research was conducted in climate controlled research greenhouse between July 2015 and July 2017. The applications were created as formulation 1 (Paenibacillus polymyxa TV-12E + Pseudomonas putida TV-42A + Pantoea agglomerans RK-79), formulation 2 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-92 + Bacillus subtilis TV-17C), formulation 3 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-92 + Kluyvera cryocrescens TV-113C), formulation 4 (Bacillus megaterium TV-91C + Pantoea agglomerans RK-79 + Bacillus megaterium TV-6D), the full amount of commonly used chemical fertilizer (150 g·100L-1) (100% CF) and by combining the reduced amount of chemical fertilizer by (75 g 100L-1) 50% with each bacterial formulation and control. Some plant growth parameters (the first flower (average number of days between flowering of the first plant) (day), total growing time up to marketable commercial size (average number of days between time for the forming red colour of 50% of bracts leaves and the first plant) (day), main flower stalk length (cm) and main flower stalk diameter (mm), total number of leaves (number plant-1), root collar diameter (mm), fresh weight of plant (g), dry weight of plant (g)) and growing medium characteristics were evaluated in the experiment. In addition to the recommended amount of chemical fertilizer application (100% CF) in poinsettia cultivation, BI and BIII bacterial formulation applications were found positive effects on shortening the time until flowering and early flowering. The poinsettia plants grew shortest time marketable commercial size when supplied with BIII+CF application comparing to control. The bacterial viability in the growth medium ranged from 4.91x106 cfu ml-1 to 1.80x107 cfu ml-1. The maximum total nitrogen (1008.00%) was obtained from BIV application. The highest solvable phosphorus (12.32 ppm) amount was determined in the BIV+CF while the highest potassium (2.02 cmol kg-1) and calcium (8299.03 mg kg-1) amount were found in the BIII application. The poinsettia plants were absorbed sufficient nutrients from the growth medium in CF, BI, BI+CF, BII, BII+CF, BIII, BIII+CF applications and increased in their plant growth and biomass. The bacterial formulations may be used as efficient PGPR for poinsettia production in farmer's greenhouse to reduce the need for chemical fertilizer and improve plant growth.

New collision detection method for simulating virtual plant populations

Detecting and resolving the collision of organs between different plants or the collision of different organs of a single plant are key issues in the realistic construction of a virtual plant population. A suitable collision detection scheme is necessary to prevent a reduction in realism caused by organ penetration. A mixed bounding volume tree construction scheme based on the growth characteristics of tomato plants is proposed in this paper, and the construction mode of the bounding at all levels is simplified by using a digital tomato model. Using a parallel GPU approach, we designed a tomato plant population collision detection program with CUDA acceleration. The proposed method reduces the total collision detection time by 92%-96%. Keywords: plant simulation, collision detection, bounding volume, GPU processing DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191206.4888 Citation: Ding W L, Wan Z X, Xu Y, Max N. New collision detection method for simulating virtual plant populations. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(6): 156–151.

Interaction of simulated acid rain and seed gall nematode Anguina tritici on wheat

In the present study, Interaction of different doses of SAR (pH 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0) with different inoculum levels of A. tritici showed varied responses on wheat plant. Both SAR and A. tritici interacted antagonistically. The wheat plants inoculated with lower inoculum levels (2,500, and 5,000) and exposed with lower acidity level (5.0) were not affected in terms of plant growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, seed carbohydrate, seed protein and leaf epidermal characteristics compared to un-inoculated and un-exposed plant. While, as acidity levels (pH 4.0 and 3.0) were increased the suppressions in all above parameters were increased. However, nematodes were killed in all the doses of SAR.

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Localization of typical and atypical Frankia isolates from Casuarina sp. in nodules formed on Casuarina equisetifolia

Members of the nitrogen-fixing actinobacterial genus Frankia are typically isolated from root nodules and generally infective on the same plant species. Several Frankia strains originally isolated from Casuarina species, however, have been found to be non-infective on Casuarina species. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential role of infective isolates from Casuarina species on the potential establishment of these non-infective Frankia strains in root nodule formation on Casuarina equisetifolia. Soil microcosms were established with plants of C. equisetifolia and inoculated with Frankia casuarinae strain CcI3 or cluster 3 strain R43, or combinations of both at different densities. Basic plant growth characteristics, root nodule formation and localization of both Frankia strains in nodule periderm and cortex, as well as population development in soils were monitored. The presence of strain R43 did not affect plant growth performance nor root nodule formation, while inoculation with strain CcI3 enhanced plant growth and resulted in root nodule formation. qPCR analyses on selected nodule lobes revealed the presence of strain CcI3 in cortex samples in all treatments, while strain R43 was not detected in any cortex samples but in 40% of the periderm samples from lobes from treatments with highest inoculation values. In situ hybridization detected cells of strain R43 on the outside of the nodules, i.e. on the periderm only. These results demonstrate that the cluster 3 Frankia strain R43 is not co-infecting root nodules formed by the F. casuarinae strain CcI3 on C. equisetifolia, but has likely been isolated as a surface contaminant from Casuarina nodules.

The response of East Kalimantan, Indonesia local rice cultivars against iron stress

Nurhasanah, lestari HS, Sunaryo W. 2019. The response of East Kalimantan, Indonesia local rice cultivars against iron stress. Biodiversitas 20: 273-282. Iron (Fe) toxicity is one of the most problematic metal elements in acidic soil. Besides being as an essential micronutrient, an excessive iron can cause mineral and nutrients absorption disorder which leads to disruption of plant metabolism and cell development. Reduction of plant growth and yield will be the further consequences of the excessive soil iron content. This study aimed to evaluate the response of East Kalimantan local rice cultivars and to screen rice genotypes tolerant to iron stress. Twenty-five rice genotypes were used in this study, consisted of twenty-three local rice cultivars of East Kalimantan and two control of iron sensitive (IR64) and tolerant (Mekongga) varieties. Uniform sprouts (3 days old) having 1-1.5 cm root length were used for iron stress experiment. The seedlings were grown in nutrient solution using hydroponic system in an aerobic condition. The seedlings were treated for one week in iron stress condition by adding an extra iron source of 100 and 200 ppm FeSO4.7H2O (pH 4.0). The seedlings grown in the nutrient solution without an extra iron treatment at normal acidity growth condition (pH 5.8) were used as the control. The growth responses were observed from root, shoot, and biomass of the plants. The tolerance index of the plant growth characters was calculated to classify the rice genotypes into tolerant, moderate, and sensitive to iron stress. The results showed that 100 and 200 ppm of FeSO4.7H2O treatments inhibited the root and shoot growth and also reduced the plant biomass. The plant growth reduction was in parallel with the increase of iron concentration. There was a significant differential response of East Kalimantan local rice genotypes to iron stress treatment. Some genotypes showed an extreme reduction of plant growth, whereas several genotypes had an increased growth under stressed situation. In the contrary, the sensitive genotype IR 64 was consistently sensitive based on the tolerance index of the root, shoot, and plant biomass characters. Among all growth parameters, the most selective character for iron toxicity screening was maximal root length character. This character caused the most severe symptoms for most of the genotypes. Two local rice genotypes, Bentian and Bogor Hitam, were consistently tolerant based on the maximal root growth, total root growth, shoot length and plant biomass.

Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida(Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies

White prairie clover [Dalea candida (Michx.) Willd.] is native to the dry prairies and hillsides of the Northern Great Plains. A study was initiated in 2012 with six white prairie clover populations collected from the Canadian Prairies. Plant growth characteristics, forage biomass, seed yield, and forage nutritive values were evaluated using a randomized complete block design in a field near Swift Current, SK. Three populations from Argyle, Carlowrie, and Big Grass Marsh (NCP588) in Manitoba displayed erect-type growth while those from Douglas Provincial Park and Stewart Valley in Saskatchewan and Writing on Stone Provincial Park in Alberta exhibited prostrate growth. The populations did not differ for mean biomass yield (79–104 g plant−1, p = 0.54) and mean seed yield (6.6–9.1 g plant−1, p = 0.69); however, they differed for bloom stage nutritional parameters such as acid detergent fibre (25%–30%, p = 0.04), neutral detergent fibre (34%–41%, p < 0.01), crude proteins (15%–18%, p < 0.01), phosphorus (0.24%–0.29%, p = 0.02), and iron content (144–360 ppm, p = 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report of comparative phenotypic, nutritional, and propagation study of native white prairie clover populations of Canada. The constraints and opportunities for successful domestication of white prairie clover as a forage crop are discussed.

Isolation and prospection of diazotrophic rhizobacteria associated with sugarcane under organic management.

Microorganisms associated with organic management are essential in nutrient transformation and release for plant use. The present study aimed to isolate, identify and characterize plant growth promoting diazotrophic rhizobacteria associated with sugarcane under organic management. Rhizospheres of organic sugarcane varieties IAC 911099 and CTC4 were sampled and inoculated onto nitrogen free NFb and Burk media. The isolated microorganisms were screened in vitro concerning their ability to produce plant growth promoting factors. Eighty-one bacteria were isolated; 45.6% were positive for the nifH gene and produced at least one of the evaluated plant growth promotion factors. The production of indole-3-acetic acid was observed in 46% of the isolates, while phosphate solubilization was observed in 86.5%. No isolates were hydrogen cyanide producers, while 81% were ammonia producers, 19% produced cellulases and 2.7%, chitinases. Microorganisms belonging to the Burkholderia genus were able to inhibit Fusarium moniliforme growth in vitro. Plant growth promoting microorganisms associated with organic sugarcane, especially belonging to Burkholderia, Sphingobium, Rhizobium and Enterobacter genera, can be environmentally friendly alternatives to improve sugarcane production.

Interactions between Pseudomonas spp. and their role in improving the red pepper plant growth under salinity stress

Solitary inoculation of bacteria has been studied widely for plant growth development and amelioration of salinity stress but co-inoculation of bacteria for salt stress amelioration in red pepper plants has been less studied till date. Here, we investigated the co-inoculation effect of Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis OB139 and Pseudomonas vancouverensis OB155 in red pepper plant growth characteristics, plant photosynthesis pigments, ethylene emission, and antioxidant properties under 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM salt stress and compared them with non-inoculated control and single inoculation of each isolate. Results showed increasing concentrations of salinity stress arrested the normal plant growth, increased the stress ethylene levels, disrupted the photosynthetic parameters and also influenced the antioxidant enzymatic activities in non-inoculated control plants. Co-inoculation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase producing Pseudomonas spp. significantly reduced the stress ethylene emission and contributed to a significant increase in plant growth compared to single inoculation and non-inoculated control. Catalase activity which was significantly increased in co-inoculated red pepper plants compared to other treatments imply its ability to efficiently neutralize the hydrogen peroxide ions formed as a result of oxidative stress in plants under salinity stress. Besides, significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content can be correlated to the increased salt tolerance in co-inoculated red pepper plants. Lastly, the increased content of photosynthetic pigments suggest the importance of co-inoculation in improving photosynthesis of red pepper plants. Together, the data demonstrated the functional compatibility of the ACC deaminase producing bacterial isolates and their role in improving the plant physical and biochemical characteristics under salinity stress.

Screening of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to promote growth of soybean

Rhizobacteria is an essential component for the maintenance of soil fertility and plant growth. The objective of the study was to characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) activity such as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen-fixing, IAA production, Acc-deaminase and cellulase activity isolated from the rhizosphere and nodules of soybean and evaluate their effectiveness in stimulating soybean seedlings growth. Greenhouse assay was conducted by completely randomized design with three replications per treatment and two controls (K1-control without inoculation of bacteria and Nitrogen, K2-control inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Pot experiments were conducted using sterile sand and supplemented with water and Muller solution, periodically. The results showed that nine rhizobacteria isolates were efficacious as potential PGPR. Greenhouse assay results showed that the highest vegetative growth yield was obtained in soybean inoculated with SWNC1 isolate, it was characterized as Bradyrhizobium spp. which gave the total nodules of 29.67; fresh weight of nodules of 0.61 g; nodules dry weight of 0.09 g; number of flowers of 23; plants dry weight of 5.57 g and plant height of 46 cm.

Effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of wheat and sorghum under cadmium stress

ABSTRACT Elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide (e[CO2]) affect plant growth and physiological characteristics, including metal accumulation, and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes. These effects were investigated in cadmium (Cd) tolerant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) cultivars. Plants were grown at the ambient and elevated CO2 levels, with four concentrations of Cd (0, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg−1) added to the soil. After 60 days, subsamples were tested for chlorophylls and carotenoids, protein, enzyme activities and morphological characteristics. Results showed that e[CO2] increased plant height, leaf area, and the dry weight of shoots and roots (P < 0.01). In addition, it decreased the Cd concentration in the shoots and roots of wheat, and increased the same concentrations for sorghum. With increasing Cd, the activities of the anti-oxidants, SOD and GSH-px increased in wheat. The differences in enzyme activity parallel the changes in Cd concentration in the plants of both species.

Impact of solar energy on greenhouse climate and crop production

A 3-year research project was conducted to assess the effect of passive solar energy gains on two differently designed greenhouses, and to determine differences in heating cost. The two greenhouses (PS1 and PS2) were passive solar greenhouses with different design technology. The test crop was tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Mountain Magic’). Solar energy data along with tomato fruit yield and plant growth characteristics were recorded from November to April in both greenhouses. Greenhouse PS2 maintained significantly (p<0.05) higher interior temperature and photosynthetically active radiation compared with greenhouse PS1. Outdoor heating and light effect on temperature required to heat the two greenhouses was significantly (p<0.05) higher in April compared with the other months. A non-significant difference was recorded between the months of November, December and January for outdoor heating effect. Similarly, non-significant difference between December and January and between March and April were recorded for outdoor light effect on temperature required to heat PS1 and PS2. Higher marketable fruit yield was harvested in PS2, with lower temperature required for heating. This study showed that a PS2-type greenhouse design, with a concrete in-floor active solar heating system, will provide a better crop production environment with reduced heating cost compared with PS1, with a gravel floor.

Supplementing biocontrol agents with botanicals improved growth and yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) infected with Protomyces macrosporus Unger

This investigation was carried out to examine the effect of some biocontrol agents (Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas putida) and botanicals (Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus globulus, Calotropis procera) both alone and in combination on growth, yield and stem gall disease of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) caused by Protomyces macrosporus Unger in a pot experiment. Plants inoculated with P. macrosporus caused significant reduction in growth and yield attributes as compared to untreated control. Stem gall intensity was recorded 59% in plants treated with pathogen alone. The results revealed that, application of biocontrol agents / botanicals both alone and in combination caused significant reduction in stem gall intensity (20.33–84.82%) as compared to control. Among the tested biocontrol agents, T. viride was found superior in enhancing the growth and yield as well as reduction in stem gall intensity (44.37%). Application of biocontrol agents in soil supplemented with botanicals was found more beneficial in enhancing plant growth and yield attributes as well as reducing stem gall intensity (52.54–84.82%). Among various combinations tested T. viride + Melia azedarach and T. viride + E. globulus caused greater increase in plant growth and yield characters both in pathogen inoculated as well as uninoculated plants.

Lowest Elevation of Plant Growth and Soil Characteristics in Natural Drawdown Areas in the Jiangjin Section of the Yangtze River

This study explores the effect of flooding on the vegetation and soil of the water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) in the Jiangjin section of the Yangtze River. The vegetation community and physical and chemical soil properties at water level elevations of 188–200 m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l) were studied using the belt transect method and the quadrat method when the section was at its lowest water level, with the nonfluctuating zone above 200 m a.m.s.l as a control. Perennial and flood-resistant species, such as Phalaris arundinacea, were dominant in the herbaceous community from 193 to 200 m, and the apparent lowest elevation of plant growth was from 188 to 193 m. From 193 to 206 m, soil bulk density decreased with increasing elevation but increased with soil layer depth. The soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the nonfluctuating zone were higher than those in the WLFZ zone. However, the soil organic matter from 193 to 200 m was higher than that in the nonfluctuating zone. The soil N, P and K from 188.06 to 188.09 m were higher than those from 188.3 to 189 m, except for hydrolysable N. The lowest elevation of plant growth did not result from a lack of soil fertility due to long-term submergence.

Impact of Salicylic Acid and PGPR on the Drought Tolerance and Phytoremediation Potential of Helianthus annus.

The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the rhizosphere of rainfed area (Karak) in Pakistan. The influence of isolated rhizobacteria, in association with salicylic acid (SA), physiological attributes, drought tolerance potential, and phytoremediation in drought-stressed sunflower exposed was investigated. The isolated bacteria were named P1 and P2 and characterized on the basis of colony morphology and biochemical traits. Both PGPR P1 and P2 were identified on the basis of 16S-rRNA gene sequencing as Planomicrobium chinense strain P1 (Accession No. MF616408) and Bacillus cereus strain P2 (Accession No. MF616406). The fresh cultures (24 h old) of isolates were used to soak the seeds pre-sowing. SA was foliar applied at three-leaf-stage. Likewise, the 30-days-old seedlings (three leaf stage) were exposed to drought stress. Drought stress was imposed to 30-days-old plants (three-leaf stage) by withholding water supply for the next 15 days until the soil water content reached 10%. The PGPR and/or SA treatment resulted in significant accumulation of Cd (84%), Pb (66%), and Ni (65%) in the rhizosphere. PGPR also induced accumulation of Cd and Ni in plant shoot. Combined treatment of PGPR and SA increased the Cu (21%), Co (11%), and Zn (8%) accumulation but decreased (12%) the Fe accumulation as compared to coinoculation of PGPR P1 and P2. Inoculation of plants with PGPR significantly increased shoot length (60%), root length (68%), root fresh (61%), and dry (63%) biomass under water stress. The inoculated plants had increased chlorophyll (67%), carotenoid (70%), leaf protein (64%), sugar (64%), and phenolic (62%) contents while lower leaf proline (62%) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) (64%), and antioxidant enzymes (67%) which suggest their role in drought tolerance. It is concluded that integrative use of PGPR in combination with SA found to be an efficacious strategy to improve the phytoremediation of heavy metals and plant growth under stressed conditions particularly under water-deficient conditions.