Improving biometric traits of wheat seedlings with the inoculation of a consortium native of Bacillus

Plant growth promoting bacteria (BPCV) represent an alternative for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and improving their use by agricultural crops. The study determined the ability of a bacterial consortium native to the genus Bacillus to promote the growth of wheat seedlings (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) under controlled conditions, 30 days after inoculation. The consortium was integrated by strains TRQ8, TE3, TRQ65 and TSO9. The molecular identification (based on the 16S RNAr gene) of these strains revealed their taxonomic affiliation to Bacillus megaterium TRQ8, B. cabrialesii TE3, B. paralicheniformis TRQ65 and B. subtilis TSO9. These strains showed the ability to synthesize siderophores, indoles, and phosphate solubilization, as well as tolerance to thermal stress (43.5 °C), water (10% PEG) and saline (5% NaCl). The inoculation (4x10 CFU) of said bacterial consortium to wheat seedlings showed a significant increase (compared to non-inoculated seedlings) in the length of the aerial part (28%), root length (25%), total length (28 %), stem diameter (46%), circumference (50%), dry weight of the aerial part (72%) and the biovolume index (57%). The foregoing evidences the capacity to promote plant growth of said bacterial consortium; therefore, the development of future trials under field conditions is crucial to know the feasibility of the design of a biofertilizer containing the study strains for use in current and future agriculture.