Biocontrolling and Colonization Potential of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa PM389 Isolated from Pennisetum Glaucum under Field Conditions

Abstract

Present study reports further characterization of the endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PM389 for their biocontrol properties and traits required for endophytic colonization on the basis of earlier preliminary results. Biocontrol, endophytic, plant growth promoting properties of PM389 were further tested by challenging plant with fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum causing root rot of wheat under in vitro condition. PM389 showed positive results for multiple mechanisms of antagonism against important fungal pathogens. Several traits required for endophytic colonization like different kinds of motility, biofilm formation, EPS production tested were present in PM389. Furthermore, results of biocontrol studies conducted in vitro showed significant increase in shoot length (37%) of Fusarium oxysporum challenged wheat seedlings pretreated with P. aeruginosa PM389 as compared to control. With various plant growth promoting properties, endophytic traits, biocontrol mechanisms against plant pathogenic microorganisms, it establishes that P. aeruginosa PM389 can serve as a potential biofertilizer and a biocontrol agent.