Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Local Rhizobacteria on Rhizome Development and Plant Growth of Trachystemon orientalis

One of the most important strategies to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability is to use a variety of local plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) and their improved consortium formulations. This study aimed to determine the effect of local PGPB on plant growth and rhizome development of Trachystemon orientalis, which has great potential as an alternative food source. Six different combined microbial consortia prepared from 11 different rhizobacteria isolated from tea rhizosphere, based on their multiple beneficial effects, were applied to the rhizomes of Trachystemon orientalis planted in 1:1 (v/v) peat: perlite medium. The experiment was set up according to the randomized complete block design with three replications, five rhizomes in each replication, and rhizomes not subjected to any treatment were used as controls. PGPB consortia were detected to be effective on 14 parameters examined related to rhizome development and plant growth. The correlation heatmap revealed a strong relationship between the applications and all the parameters examined. The best result was obtained from the P4 application containing a mixture of Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus spp. This microbial cocktail can be a good alternative to chemical fertilizers, as it is both beneficial and profitable, especially in seedling cultivation of Trachystemon orientalis.