Abstract

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could allow growers to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and increase the sustainability of crop production. Wheat is the main staple food crop of Pakistan, and few studies have reported on the impact of PGPR on wheat crops. To determine if PGPR can maintain wheat productivity with reduced fertilizer applications, we isolated bacteria from the rhizosphere of wheat grown in sandy loam. We selected 10 strains based on in vitro assays for traits associated with PGPR: ACC deaminase activity, siderophore productivity, P-solubilization, and productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA). Furthermore, the strains were tested in three experiments (using a growth-chamber, pots with an experimental area of 0.05 m(2), and a field). Strains that possessed the four traits associated with PGPR increased the shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry weight of plants in the growth chamber study. Similarly, under the pot trial, maximum crop traits were observed under the consortium + half dose, while under field conditions maximum crop parameters were detected in the case of consortium 1 and consortium 2 along with half the recommended dose of fertilizer. This confirms that this consortium could provide growers with a sustainable approach to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage in wheat production.

Keywords

inoculation; PGPR; soil bacteria; wheat

Published in

Sustainability
2019, Volume: 11, number: 12, article number: 3361
Publisher: MDPI

SLU Authors

• Ahmed, Mukhtar

  • Arid Agriculture University
  • Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University
  • Washington State University

Sustainable Development Goals

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns


UKÄ Subject classification

Soil Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123361

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/101063