Abstract

An isolation study of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria was carried out in rhizosphere soil of rice grown in raised bed fields at Kalashakaku, Pakistan. Eight rhizobacteria were isolated, purified and their colony morphology was recorded. All of them were positive for catalase test. These isolates variably showed P-soloubilization, bacteriocin and siderophore production abilities. On the basis of these traits, three isolates 4PKR, 12PKR and 13PKR from raised bed field of rice rhizosphere were selected for an investigation of their growth promoting potential on maize (Zea mays L.) in a pot experiment. Most of the isolates resulted in significant increase in growth of maize (Z. mays L.) seedling. Two isolates12PKR and 13PKR exhibited better performance.

Key words: Catalase, P-soloubilization, bacteriocin, siderophore.