Microorganisms native to shifting cultivation were isolated and screened for plant growth promotion (PGP) properties. The bacterial and fungal isolates that exhibed production of indole compounds, siderophores, and ammonia; phosphate solubilization; and catalase activity, were selected and tested for their ability to promote the early growth of upland rice plants. Potential isolates from a preliminary seed germination assay carried out in plates were further tested in pots under greenhouse conditions. Observations after two and four weeks of growth indicated that all treated rice plants had higher shoot and root length than those in the control group. Of the isolates used in the experiment, the bacterial isolate SB5 and the fungal isolate SF4 exhibit higher growth activity, with growth increases of 26.20% and 15.87% respectively, over the control group. These isolates are being explored for consortium development as bioinoculants, in an attempt to restore the fertility of jhum fallows.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract