Screening Effective Co-Inoculant Bacterial Strains Containing ACC-Deaminase Activity for Promoting Growth and Nodulation of Chickpea Seedlings Under Axenic Conditions.

A multi-dimensional beneficial association between rhizobia and leguminous plants has been observed which consequences in the development of nodules on the roots of legumes. Besides various other features, plant hormones have an imperative function for increasing nodulation in legumes. Certain free living rhizobacteria promote nodulation in plants by regulating endogenous ethylene biosynthesis in roots due to activity of ACC-deaminase enzyme. Six pre-selected isolates of each rhizobia and rhizobacteria were evaluated in all possible combinations for prompting growth and nodulation of chickpea by conducting growth pouch and jar experiments. The results of pouch and jar experiments showed that co-inoculation of chickpea with rhizobia and rhizobacteria containing ACC-deaminase resulted in significant increase in root and shoot growth as compared to uninoculated control. Some of the co-inoculation combinations were very effective in producing high number of nodules as well as dry nodule weight as compared to uninoculated control. The findings suggest that co-inoculation with PGPR containing ACC-deaminase and rhizobia could be useful for improving the growth and yield nodulation of chickpea. The study also facilitates us to select effective combinations for co-inoculation to promote nodulation and yield of chickpea under natural conditions.

Mode of Presentation: Oral

Correspondence: Sher Muhammad Shahzad

Ph.D. Students, Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan