Molecular identification of phosphate solubilizing bacterium (<i>Alcaligenes faecalis</i>) and its interaction effect with <i>Bradyrhizobium japonicum</i> on growth and yield of soybean<i>Glycine max</i> L.)

Abstract

A phosphate solubilizing bacterium was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of upland rice and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The gene sequence showed 99% homology with Alcaligenes faecalis. Based on the gene sequence homology, it was identified as A. faecalis. Interaction effect of this bacterium on growth and yield of soybean was studied under glass house conditions by inoculating the bacterium either alone or in combination with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bacillus megaterium or both. The inoculated plants showed significantly taller plant height, more number of leaves, higher numbers of pods, plant dry weight and grain yield compared to un-inoculated ones (control). The triple inoculation was found superior compared to single as well as dual inoculations. Nitrogen and phosphorus content of the plant tissue was also higher in triple inoculation compared to others, which indicates their synergistic interaction in the rhizosphere of soybean
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Keywords: Alcaligenes faecalis, Glycine max, phosphate solubilization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(31) 3450-3454