Impact of phopshate solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus polymixa) on drought tolerance of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Abstract

The main focus of the present study is to evaluate the effect of priming of green gram (Vigna radiata) with phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) during drought stress. Drought is the major abiotic stress factor which diminishing the growth and development of agricultural in Kerala. So immediate steps need to be taken to overcome the adverse effect of drought stress for the development of agriculture. Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria are one of the best microorganisms found to be simultaneously increasing the insoluble soil Phosphorus uptake by the plant and crop yield. In the study, the seeds of Vigna radiata were subjected to priming treatment with 0.5 % and 1% phosphate solubilising bacteria. Physiological and biochemical parameters like germination percentage, root and shoot length, relative water content (RWC), amount of chlorophyll, protein, proline and yield were studied.  Inoculation with phosphate solubilising bacteria showed remarkable variation in both physiological and biochemical parameters of green gram plants. Among the two concentrations tested, 1% phosphate solubilising bacteria was found to be effective in mitigating the effect of water stress, stimulating early flowering and also in increasing yield.