<i>In vitro</i> root growth of rice seedlings inoculated with rhizobacteria

Abstract

Multifunctional microorganisms can play a crucial role in the development of the plant root system, a characteristic that significantly affects agricultural productivity. This study aimed to determine the effect of inoculating isolates of multifunctional rhizobacteria on the in vitro root growth of upland rice seedlings. The experiment had a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replications. The treatments involved inoculating upland rice with the following rhizobacteria: BRM 32111 (Burkholderia sp.), BRM 63523 (Serratia sp.), BRM 63524 (Bacillus sp.), and the control treatment (without microorganisms). Inoculation with the rhizobacteria BRM 32111 and BRM 63524 had a positive effect on the initial root development of upland rice. Inoculation with isolate BRM 32111 generated significant effects on the length, diameter, total surface area and volume of rice seedling roots. The isolate BRM 63524 had significant effects on the length, diameter and total surface area of the roots. Rice seedlings from the control treatment showed the worst results for the variables analyzed. The use of PGPRs as bioagents is a promising alternative for better root development of rice seedlings.