Potential of Microbes Containing Formulations to Alter Growth and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Aromatic Plant- Foeniculum Vulgare

Abstract

Sustainable plant production with the integration of eco-friendly agricultural practices, low chemical inputs, minimal deleterious effects on human health and low cost methods, is the need of the moment. In this direction, scientific/industrial community,  continuously exploring novel and reliable methods. Plant growth promoting microbes are proving more promising to achieve eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural outcomes. In the present study, individuals of Foeniculum vulgare, a valuable aromatic plant species with potential medicinal value, were inoculated with different plant growth promoting microorganisms: (1) Arbuscular mycorrhizal like fungi (Sebacina vermifera) (2) Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens) (3) Azotobacter  (Azotobacter  chroococcum).  Response  of  individual  microorganism  species  was  evaluated with  reference  to  the emergence,  plant  growth  and yield of essential  oil  along  with  qualitative  effects  on  essential  oil.  Comparatively,  significant response of Sebacina vermifera, in the stimulation of emergence of seeds, growth of plant and yield enhancement of essential oil was observed. An enhanced synthesis of anethole (major chemical constituent) was also recorded. Moreover, the enhancement in growth of plants was dependent on the extent of colonization percentage. A periodic study of growth parameters indicates plant’s health and vitality influenced by Sebacina vermifera. The enhanced essential oil of seeds along with enhanced synthesis of anethole was in agreement with the assumption that Sebacina vermifera trigger defensive responses and hence improve phytochemical production. A mechanistic insight is also illustrated. In conclusion Sebacina vermifera possesses immense potentials in the pursuit of agro-ecological attributes of medicinal plant cultivation and crop production. It exerts excellent growth effects and enhances phytochemical production in medicinal plants.