Isolation and Screening of Endophytic Bacteria for their Potential to Improve Growth of Wheat and Maize

Author(s) : Hina Javed, Abid Ali, M. Amjad Qureshi, Fraza Ijaz, Shabana Ehsan, M. Asif Ali, Rehman Gul, Shahid Nazir, Yassal Khan, Asawara Maqsood, Abid Niaz, Muhammad Nadeem, Saira Khalid

Digital object identifier:

doi.org/10.52587/JAF040101

Abstract:

Endophytic bacteria involve in the production as well as regulation of phytohormones and siderophore and have more capacity to tolerate environmental stresses in a better way when compared with rhizosphere bacteria. A study was planned to check the capacity of endophytic microorganism to improve the growth of maize and wheat crop. Total 35 endophytic microorganism have been isolated from plant tissues out of which 20 were characterized on the basis on biochemical tests and Indole acetic acid production. Efficient 15 isolates were screened and 5 isolates were selected for field study. Field study of wheat and maize was directed at the Soil Bacteriology Section AARI Faisalabad. Recommended dose of fertilizer (NP @ 100:60 kg/ha & NPK @ 120:114:90 kg ha-1) for maize and wheat crop was applied. Results showed that inoculation with bacterial isolates confirmed great increase in yield compared to control. It was noted that the highest fodder yield (70.5 t ha-1) in case of maize and the highest grain yield (4030 kg ha-1) produced by endophytic bacteria E-3. The use of specific endophytes may be considered preferable as compared to rhizospheric bacteria as well as over the use of chemical fertilizers due to their beneficial impact on environment costs, contributing to more sustainable agricultural systems.