ISOLATION OF ACC DEAMINASE PRODUCING RHIZOBACTERIA FROM WHEAT RHIZOSPHERE AND DETERMINATING OF PLANT GROWTH ACTIVITIES UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITIONS

Abstract

Salinity in agricultural lands is a major problem worldwide and the application of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) producing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), is a good option to reduce the effects of salt stresses on plant growth and development. This study aims to isolate ACC deaminase producing PGPR and evaluate their effect on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress of conditions. 21 ACC deaminase producing bacteria were isolated from wheat rhizosphere and the effectiveness of the isolates was determined by petri, jar and pot experiments. Pot experiments were established with 5 bacterial isolates (Bacillus cereus, Serratia odorifera, Lelliottia amnigena, Arthrobacter arilaitensis, Pseudomonas putida) and 4 different salt levels (0.95, 3.98, 7.80, 11.05 dS m(-1)). ACC deaminase producing bacteria increased shoot and root length under petri and jar trial. Likewise, inoculation of PGPRs under salt stress conditions had a positive effect on wheat Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents compared to uninoculated control plants in pot trials. Inoculation of wheat with ACC deaminase producing PGPR alleviated the negative effects of salinity and increased plant growth. This study shows the vital role of rhizobacteria producing ACC deaminase increasing salt tolerance and eventually the development of wheat under salinity stress.