TITLE:
Influence of Isolated PGPR Rhizobacteria in Central and Northern Benin on Maize Germination and Greenhouse Growth
AUTHORS:
Olaréwadjou Amogou, Gustave Dagbénonbakin, Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato, Pacôme Agossou Noumavo, Hafiz Adio Salami, Salako Valère, Aguegue Mèvognon Ricardos, Assogba Abado Sylvestre, Koda Fousseni Abdel Djihal, Adolphe Adjanohoun, Lamine Baba-Moussa
KEYWORDS:
PGPR, Biofertilization, Germination, Growth, Soil Ferruginous
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.9 No.13,
December
29,
2018
ABSTRACT: The
objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of nine plant
growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alone or in combination on maize seed
germination and seedling growth under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The
germination and growth tests were carried out in square petri dishes and pots.
Maize seeds were inoculated with suspension of 108 CFU/ml of
rhizobacteria. The experimental device was a random block of 16 treatments with
four repetitions. Germination test results showed that seeds inoculated with
PGPR including the control induced good germination in the range of 93.75% to
100%. The vigor index and root length of the seeds treated with Bacillus
panthothenicus were significantly improved by 76.64% and 58.86%,
respectively, while the maximal lengths of the seedlings were obtained with Pseudomonas
cichorii with an increase of 118.95%. In greenhouse
experience, data demonstrated that Serratia marcescens better improved the leaf
area, height and underground biomass, respectively by 58.83%, 108.43%, and
59.16% as compared to the control. The highest fresh aerial biomass and air dry
matter was obtained with plants treated only with Pseudomonas
putida. These
results show the potential to use such rhizobacteria as biofertilizers to
improve maize productivity in Benin.