Tripartite interactions among Paenibacillus lentimorbus NRRL B-30488 (B-30488), Piriformospora indica DSM 11827 (DSM 11827) and their consortia (B-30488:DSM 11827:: 1:1) with native rhizobial population in the rhizosphere of Cicer arietinum L. (Chick pea) was tested for enhancing nodulations and plant growth promotion. Number of nodules and dry weight per plant significantly enhanced (P = 0.05), which is further evident by N, P, and K uptake by plants and were found to be maximum in B-30488 treated followed by B-30488: DSM 11827 and DSM 11827, as compared with uninoculated control, in 60 days grown chickpea plants. Microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of the four treatments was assessed, using Biolog Eco and MT plates. Principal component analysis (PCA) of carbon source utilization pattern on Biolog Eco plates did not show any clustering among the four samples indicating that in case of individually DSM 11827 and B-30488 treated chickpea rhizosphere there was significant change in microbial community structure, compared with lesser changes in uninoculated and B-30488 and DSM 11827 consortium treated chickpea rhizosphere microflora. Additional carbon sources tested using Biolog MT plates, higher activity of lignin, chitin, and cellulose utilizing microbial communities in the rhizosphere being stimulated by root exudates treated with B-30488 alone or in consortia with DSM 11827, and, in turn, should encourage beneficial symbiotic or mutualistic microorganisms that can act as plant growth promoting and biocontrol agents.

A plant growth-promoting Paenibacillus lentimorbus NRRL B-30488 (B-30488) was isolated from cows' milk. Bacterial colonization and growth responses of different plant species after inoculation with B-30488 were evaluated in a controlled environment and in microplot assays. Survival and colonization of B-30488 in the phytosphere of plants and soil was monitored using a chromosomally located rifampicin-marked mutant B-30488 (B-30488R). The strain showed variable ability to invade plants. The interaction between B-30488R and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase enzymes were produced when B-30488R was grown in the presence of colloidal chitin as sole carbon source. Deliberate dilution of B-30488R with field soil offers a reliable process for decreasing the cost of bacterial inoculants in developing countries. Seed treatment of chickpea demonstrated significantly (P = 0.05) greater seedling mortality in nonbacterized compared with bacterized seedlings. Bacterization significantly (P = 0.05) improved seed germination, plant height, number of pods/plant(-1), and seed dry weight.

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