Enhancement of plant growth and production of plant growth regulators by soil bacteria

Professorial Chair Lecture

SEARCA Inaugural Professorial Chair Lecture

Place

Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, UPLB, College, Laguna

Date

2-27-2004

Abstract

A number of bacteria isolated from the soil and plant rhizosphere promoted the growth of vegetables and other high value crops. These bacteria, referred to as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), significantly increased the shoot and root biomass of tomato (cv. Maigaya) and sweet pepper (cv. California Wonder) under gnotobiotic conditions. In the greenhouse, inoculation with PGPB improved the seedling vigor of tomato. The inoculated seedlings were ready for transplanting one week earlier than the uninoculated treatment thus shortening the production time. Preliminary field trials showed that PGPB inoculation of tomato in combination with half the recommended fertilizer rate had fruit yield higher by two tons/ha than with the full dose of fertilizer.

In preliminary field trials PGPB inoculation increased the yield of ampalaya and the percent marketable heads of lettuce. Some isolates showed biocontrol properties against damping off of lettuce.

The production of the plant growth regulators auxin and cytokinin in culture by selected PGPB was quantified. Bioassay also showed that several PGPB produced gibberellins. The genes for the biosynthesis of IAA and cytokinin were isolated.

Formulations of PGPB have been packaged into an easy to use solid0based inoculation. Preliminary success was obtained in the use of PGPB in the rooting of stem cuttings of Mussaenda and Hibiscus and in the growth promotion of Dendrobium.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Language

English

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