Differential response of native Bacillus spp. isolates from agricultural and forest soils in growth promotion of Amaranthus hypochondriacus
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar 249404, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Forestry (VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry) Ranichauri, Tehri, Garhwal, 249199, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract
Bacillus spp. has emerged as agriculturally important bacteria with its productive gears in plant growth and health promotion. In the present study, different bacilli from agricultural and forest soils were characterized and identified as plant growth promoting bacteria. The isolates from both eco-habitants showed differential responses influenced with their mechanistic traits. Agricultural soil isolates were found best with maximum IAA production (9.5 µg ml-1), phosphate solubilization (11.98 µg ml-1) and siderophore production. However, isolates of forest soil were potent antagonist of Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Results of drop assay using root exudates of amaranth revealed voracious root colonization ability of agricultural soil isolates. It was interesting that BS-58, the isolate of agricultural soil has shown significant outcomes in blotter paper and pot assay to enhance growth promotion of amaranth. This study reveals comparative assessment on growth promotion behaviors of agricultural and forest isolates and reported the suitability of the isolates from different eco-habitants with divergent activity.