Enhanced Plant Growth and Biomass Accumulation via Bacillus spp. Consortia: A Functional Study for Wheat Growth

ABSTRACT: Thirty-four distinct bacillus strains were isolated and identified from various districts of the Marathwada region. These strains of Bacillus sp. were morphologically and biochemically characterised, such as shape, Gram's nature, and endospores forming ability, arginine hydrolysis, catalase test, hydrolysis of lipid, hydrolysis of casein, liquefaction of gelatin, starch hydrolysis, and urease test. The different plant growth-promoting properties of isolated Bacillus species investigated included IAA and GA₃ production, phosphate solubilisation, siderophore production, and HCN production. Isolates producing the highest amount of IAA, GA3, HCN, and phosphate solubilizers were selected for the plant growth promotion, including those isolates that show the highest antifungal activity. When a consortium of Bacillus species was used instead of individual strains, the roots and shoots showed greater length and dry weight. After 25 days of treatment, the consortium B4 produced the longest roots and shoots. After 25 days of treatment, consortia B3 showed the highest amount of dry weight of roots, while consortium B4 showed the highest amount of dry weight of shoots.