Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate ability of Pseudomonas sp. Q4b, Bacillus sp. Q5a and Azotobacter chroococcum strain 8 to enrich a population of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in rhizosphere and thus enhance maize growth (Zea mays L.). Experiments were carried out under greenhouse and field conditions, on a chernozem soil. In vitro screening for PGP properties showed significant difference between indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores production and phosphosolubilization betweenPseudomonas sp. Q4b and Bacillus sp. Q5a. Pseudomonas was estimated as a better producer of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and siderophores than Bacillus. Bacterial treatments had a significant effect on the number of investigated microbial groups in rhizosphere, and maize growth and yield. Co-inoculation had an advantage compared to single inoculation, while in case of single strains, better effects were achieved in Pseudomonas andAzotobacter treatments. Inoculation increased the number of azotobacters (103.25%), pseudomonads (82.29%) and aerobic spore-forming bacteria (52.65%) as well as height (17.15%) and dry weight (35.48%) of maize plants. The highest plant height was recorded in treatment with Pseudomonas and Bacillus. The highest dry weight and yield were recorded in the treatment with mixture of these three strains.

Key words: Maize, inoculation, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, yield.