Plant growth promoting activities of fluorescent pseudomonads associated with some crop plants

Abstract

Fluorescent pseudomonads (FP), a major component of rhizobacteria, promote the plant growth through their multifarious activities. In the present investigations, 10 strains of fluorescent pseudomonads isolated from the rhizosphere soils of bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), jowar (Sorghum vulgare), rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) were screened for their plant growth promoting activity based on their ability to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophores, proteases, indole acetic acid (IAA), broad spectrum antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi and phosphate solubilization. The results indicated that most of the isolates tested possess plant growth promoting traits. These isolates can be used as potential biofertilizers and also as biocontrol agents.   Key words: PGPR, indole acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, protease, phosphate solubilization, antagonism.