Vegetos

Abstract

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium with a polar flagellum, isolated from the rhizospheric region of Pigeon pea plant was characterized based on the sequence homology of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and its ability to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophore and to solubilize insoluble phosphate. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that this bacterium belongs to the genus Pseudomonas in the subclass Proteobacteria; and that it was most closely related to Pseudomonas fluorescens showing 98% homology. Although, the production of IAA was not very significant, a substantial amount of HCN and siderophore were produced. The isolate was found to solubilize tricalcium phosphate under in vitro conditions. Because of its ability to produce these metabolites and plant growth promoting substances, this rhizospheric bacterial soil isolate can be exploited as an effective biocontrol agent for controlling plant pathogenic fungi, thus minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fungicides which cause both health and environmental hazards.