EFFECT OF MICROBIAL INOCULATION ON WHEAT GROWTH AND PHYTO- STABILIZATION OF CHROMIUM CONTAMINATED SOIL

Abstract

Higher concentration of Cr(VI) in the plant root zone affects many physiological processes and inhibits plant growth. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can improve plant health in contaminated soil as well as convert Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). In this study, 180 Cr(VI) tolerant bacteria were isolated and after screening 10 efficient bacteria capable to work under chromium stress conditions were selected. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds were inoculated with selected bacterial isolates and sown in Cr(VI) contaminated (20 mg kg -1 ) pots. Results showed that Cr(VI) contamination significantly suppressed the plant growth and development. However, inoculation improved plant growth parameters significantly compared to un-inoculated plants. In inoculated pots Cr(VI) contents were decreased in soil upto 62% while plant analysis for Cr(VI) revealed that inoculation decreased uptake and translocation of Cr(VI) from soil to the aerial parts of plant. Concentration of Cr(VI) was upto 36% less in roots and 60% less in shoots as compared to un-inoculated plants grown in contaminated pots.