Phenetic and functional characterization of endophytic root-nodule bacteria isolated from chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) and mothbean (Vigna aconitifolia l.) of arid-and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

In the present study we recovered endophytic root-nodule bacteria from chickpea (Cicer arietinumi L.) and mothbean (Vigna aconitifolia L.). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of isolates was performed by employing biochemical and genetic approaches. Sequencing data showed that most isolates belonged to genus, Pseudomonas spp. being a dominant species. They also showed similarity with Rhizobium, Agrobacterium and Erwinia spp. Isolates were screened functionally for indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore production and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) solubilization. All isolates showed Pi solubilization except CJS-2. Nine isolates (CSS-1, CBS-1, CLS-3, CCS-1, CHS-1, VS-1, VL-1, VN-1, VN-2) were found positive for IAA production and eight isolates (CBS-1, CCS-1, CHS-2, CKS-2, CNS-2, VS-1, VJ-1) exhibited positive results for siderophore production. An understanding of the phonetic and functional diversity of these microbes that interact with plants will be worthwhile to fully achieve the biotechnological potential of efficient plant-microbe partnerships for a range of applications. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.