In vitro test and bioassay of selected Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) by using maize seedlings

Abstract

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) plays a significant role to improve phosphate availability, in order to support the growth of maize in acid soil. The experiment aimed to investigate the capability of PSB isolates in solubilizing phosphate and their compatibility with maize seedlings which were conducted in the soil biology laboratory and greenhouse at Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. In vitro test using three isolates of PSB was done to understand the synergystic character by using streak method with natrium agar medium. Subsequently, those three isolates were used for bioassay. The bioassay experiment set up as randomized factorial design, consisted of 16 treatments (control, single and consortia of three PSB isolates in two concentrations) and provided by 3 replications. The solubilized phosphate, P uptake and plant dry weight was measured at 14 days after planting. The results revealed that three PSB isolates were synergistic and did not antagonistic to each other. The isolates either in single or consortia application were able to solubilize phosphate up to 23,23 ppm and increase P uptake up to 42%. The consortia of PSB isolates has the highest capability of increasing the growth of maize seedlings.