Preliminary study on phosphate solubilizing <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> strain Q3 and <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp. strain Q6 for improving cotton growth under alkaline conditions

Abstract

The bacterial isolates varied in their abilities for different growth promoting traits. The selected PGPR <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> strain Q3 and <i>Paenibacillus</i> sp. strain Q6 have multifarious growth promoting traits including ability to grow at higher EC and pH levels, and phosphorus solubilizing ability. These strains can efficiently colonize cotton roots under salt affected soils and help plants in phosphorus nutrition. It is concluded that both strains are potential candidates for promoting cotton growth under alkaline conditions, however further investigation is required to determine their potential for field application.