Plant Growth and Microbiota Structural Effects of Rhizobacteria Inoculation on Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King [Meliaceae]) under Nursery Conditions

Abstract

Swietenia macrophylla is a tropical timber species of ecological and economic importance. However, its slow vegetative growth and root development in nurseries strongly limit its production. This study evaluated the effect of 10 rhizobacteria strains during the early stages of production of S. macrophylla. Superficially disinfected seeds were inoculated with rhizobacteria under commercial nursery conditions. Inoculation was complemented by initial fertilization without growth regulators, fungicides, or bactericides. The results indicate that the rhizobacteria strains induce different responses in plants. Significant differences in plant biomass and root architecture were found. Treatments inoculated with Bacillus sp., Bacillus polyfermenticus, and Bacillus siamensis strains; showed an increase of up to 41% (dry weight). Plants increased root biomass by 30% when inoculated with S. siamensis. All inoculated strains were identified as members of the genus Bacillus spp., and their presence three months after inoculation was assessed by 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon massive sequencing. We found that Bacillus sp. genus was only present in inoculated treatments, suggesting that inoculated bacteria could establish themselves successfully as part of the microbiota. These results support the advantages of using PGPRs in commercial tropical tree production.

Microbial Preparations Combined with Humic Substances Improve the Quality of Tree Planting Material Needed for Reforestation to Increase Carbon Sequestration

“…Shoot and root growth of Swietenia macrophylla was also stimulated by Bacillus spp. under nursery conditions [31].…”

The Production Chain of Tree Seedlings, from Seeds to Sustainable Plantations: An Essential Link for the Success of Reforestation and Restoration Programs in the Context of Climate Change

“…Trujillo-Elisea et al [21] evaluated the effect of 10 rhizobacteria strains, commonly named plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), during the early stages of production of Swietenia macrophylla King [Meliaceae]) under forest nursery conditions. Their results support the advantages of using PGPRs in commercial tropical tree production, because they significantly increase the growth of seedlings.…”

INFLUÊNCIA DO USO DE BIOESTIMULANTES NO CRESCIMENTO DE MUDAS DE Khaya senegalensis A. JUSS

“…AGRIES, v. 8, e022014, 2022 Em estudo sobre o efeito de diferentes cepas de Rhizobactérias em Swietenia macrophylla, outra arbórea utilizada para produção de madeira, verificaram que a inoculação de Rhizobium spp., proporcionou aumento da biomassa da parte aérea, raiz e aumento de número de raízes secundárias (Trujillo-Elisea et al,2022).…”