Microbial IAA: Spectral Analysis and Application to Modulate Growth of Triticum aestivum

Abstract

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play an essential part in transformation, solubilization, and mobilization of nutrients procured from the soil. Plant-microbe interaction can be termed as an eco-friendly approach which not only improves plant growth but helps in sustaining the soil and prevents environmental degradation from agrochemicals. PGPR improve plant growth through various mechanisms. One of the mechanisms involved is phytohormone production by the bacterial strains. In the current study, spectral analysis of thirteen already isolated and identified auxin-producing microbial strains (AAL1, AB8, A7B, A5C, A3E, A11E, AL2, A9G, A12G, A13G, AM10, P4, and S6) was carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the bacterial IAA exhibited close structural similarity between bacterial IAA and standard IAA. The growth-enhancing capability of strains was verified through the application of these strains on Triticum aestivum seedlings and enhancement of growth was statistically analyzed which indicated remarkable improvement in growth and metabolism both under laboratory and field conditions. Several bacterial isolates also proved to be very effective in improving biochemical parameters of plants. The current study suggested that the application of IAA-producing PGPR as biofertilizer is effective in enhancing plant growth as well as plant yield.