ISOLATION, SCREENING, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING AZOTOBACTER SPECIES FROM RHIZOSPHERIC SOIL

Numerous environmental factors that adversely impact agricultural production, plant development and seed germination frequently limit plant growth and productivity. Azotobacter sp. and other beneficial soil microbes are known to be efficient Rhizobacteria that promote plant growth through a variety of ways. With an emphasis on their capacity to produce the phytohormone Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rhizospheric soil samples were taken from three distinct locations, obtained a total of thirteen bacterial isolates. Four isolates that showed notable IAA production were chosen for additional analysis after a preliminary screening for IAA production was completed. The chosen isolates were then examined for a number of characteristics that promote plant growth, such as biological nitrogen fixation, ammonia production, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and the synthesis of extracellular enzymes like catalase, protease, amylase, and chitinase. The findings showed that the chosen isolates had significant IAA production in addition to a variety of plant growth-promoting characteristics, suggesting their potential use as biofertilizers for sustainable agricultural systems. These results demonstrate the significance of rhizobacteria that produce IAA in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth.