Characterization of rhizosphere fungi of the ebony plant (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) which has the potential to produce Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Gibberelic Acid Phytohormones

Abstract

Ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) is a slow-growing species that is an impacting factor in the extinction of this species. Efforts to reduce the ebony population can be performed by employing microbes to stimulate ebony growth. This study aimed to obtain bacterial isolates with the potential of producing IAA and GA3 that can be further utilized as biofertilizer agents. Research stages encompassed soil sample isolation, isolation of bacteria, and analysis of IAA and GA3. The research was in complete randomized design (CRD). Thirteen isolates were successfully purified and analyzed with their IAA and GA3 hormones. The highest IAA concentrations were observed in EP1b at 48 incubation hours (44.39 ppm), EP3d at 72 incubation hours (34.93 ppm), and EP3c at 72 incubation hours (34.48 ppm). EP2c, EP2e, and EP2a produced the highest GA3 concentration at 24 incubation hours which were 3.88 ppm, 3.88 ppm, and 3.81 ppm, respectively.