Enhancement of Wheat Root Colonization and Plant Development by Azospirillum brasilense Cd. Following Temporary Depression of Rhizosphere Microflora

Abstract

Inoculation of wheat with Azospirillum brasilense , combined with the application of four fungal and bacterium-inhibiting substances to which A. brasilense is resistant in the soil, decreased the rhizosphere population, while it increased wheat root colonization by A. brasilense , even in cases of poor inoculation. The inoculation significantly increased the following wheat plant parameters as well: plant dry weight, number of tillers per plant, spikelet fertility, harvest index, and grain yield. This model may provide a new approach to improve control of root colonization by beneficial bacteria.