Co‐inoculation ofBacillussp. andPseudomonas putidaat different development stages acts as a biostimulant to promote growth, yield and nutrient uptake of tomato

Abstract

Aims This study builds upon the premise that roots culture distinct bacteria at specific stages of plant growth to benefit of specific microbial services needed at that particular growth stage. Accordingly, we hypothesized that the co‐inoculation of beneficial microbes with distinct properties at specific stages of plant development would enhance plant performance. Methods and Results The chosen microbes were Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus mojavensis and Pseudomonas putida. These microbes were selected based on their specific services ranging from nutrient solubilization, root growth promotion and disease resistance, and were applied to the roots of tomato plants at specific time points when those services were needed the most by the plant. Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of co‐inoculation at specific stages of development compared to single microbial applications. Conclusion In general, the combination of three microbes gave the highest biomass and yield without the presence of disease. Applications of three microbes showed the highest root/shoot ratio, and applications of four microbes the lowest ratio. Pseudomonas putida significantly increased fruit macronutrient and micronutrient contents. Significance and Impact of the Study Our studies suggest that co‐inoculation of three or four microbes is a good strategy for healthy crop production.

Microbial-Mediated Plant Growth Promotion and Pest Suppression Varies Under Climate Change

“…However, previous work has found mixed results when using multiple bacteria, often with no stronger effect in plant growth or yield than when one of the strains is inoculated individually. For example, the inoculation of four bacteria (Bacillus pumilus; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; Bacillus mojavensis; Pseudomonas putida) showed minimal effects on plant growth/yield and even growth/yield reduction when double infections were inoculated (He et al, 2019). Another study on mixtures of Bacillus sp.…”

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Response of Soil Bacterial Community and Pepper Plant Growth to Application of Bacillus thuringiensis KNU-07

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