The role of rhizobacteria and ecoenzyme in agarwood growth (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.)

Abstract

Rhizobacteria inoculation and ecoenzyme application can improve seeds' growth. This research aims to study the potency of rhizobacteria and ecoenzyme to improve Aquilaria malaccensis growth. The experimental design used a nested plot design where ecoenzyme as the sub-plot that nested in rhizobacteria inoculation (Serratia marcecscens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and the mix of S. marcecscens + S. maltophilia) as the main plot. The results showed that rhizobacteria inoculation and ecoenzyme application were no significant effect on improving the plant height, diameter, amount of new leaves, total wet weight, total dry weight, and seed moisture content. The new shoots on S. marcescens inoculation without ecoenzyme increased 112,5% compared to the control. Application of ecoenzyme to the plants inoculated by rhizobacteria promoted root growth and made the leaves got greener. Shoot root ratio and seedling quality index showed that seeds were ready to transplant in the field. The results of this study can be used as a reference in applying biofertilizers to forestry plants, especially the slow-growing species.