Effect of Bacterial Endophytes Lysinibacillus sp. on Plant Growth and Fruit Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Endophytes are known for its novel metabolites and benefits for host. Diversified role of endophytes are being studied in order to enhance their use in agriculture production system. Endophytes are being use for plant growth promotion, alleviation of biotic and abiotic stresses, enhancing agronomic traits, etc. In this study, bacterial endophytes isolated from earlier studies were tested for its plant growth promoting traits in tomato. Bacterial endophytes were tested for plant growth promoting attributes like phosphate solubilization and IAA production. These endophytes were inoculated to tomato plants in pot trial and their effect on dry matter accumulation and fruit yield were recorded. Results indicated that the endophyte 1TH16a had performed well in pot trial and significantly enhanced fruit yield as compare to control. Significantly higher root and shoot biomass were recorded from strain 1TH16a and 1016. Molecular identification using 16s rRNA shows its identity to Lysinibacillus sp. This strain is having potential plant growth promoting traits and detailed study is needed for its commercial use in tomato and other crops.