Field-based assessment of the mechanism of maize yield enhancement by Azospirillum lipoferum CRT1.

ABSTRACT: Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) of the genus Azospirillum are known to enhance root growth and yield in many plant species including cereals. To probe the underlying mechanisms, correlations between modifications of yield and 6-leaf plantlet characteristics were estimated on maize in four fields with contrasting soil properties over two consecutive years using the commercial isolate A. lipoferum CRT1. In both years, plantlet metabolome, photosynthetic potential and organ morphology were found to display field- and inoculation-specific signatures. Metabolomic analyses revealed that A. lipoferum CRT1 mostly affected sugar metabolism with no suggested impact on N and P assimilation. Mineral nitrogen feeding increased yield but did not affect yield enhancement by the bacterial partner.

SUBMITTER: Rozier C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5547117 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature