Impacts of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Tropical Forage Grass in Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria effects on anatomical characteristics and nutritional value of Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. The experimental design applied was completely randomized design  with three treatments: (1) non-inoculated unfertilized-control plants (C-), (2) non-inoculated fertilized-control plants (C+) and (3) B. brizantha inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens (BRM-32111) and Burkholderia pyrrocinia (BRM-32113). The following parameters were evaluated at 35 days after seedling emergence: biomass production, plant height, net photosynthesis (A), water-use efficiency (WUE), chlorophyll (SPAD), anatomical and nutritional. The rhizobacteria modified the anatomy of the leaf, culm and roots of B. brizantha. They also increased the chlorophyll content, A, WUE, total soluble carbohydrates, starch and crude protein contents, N, P, Mg and Fe concentrations, plant height, root area and biomass production. Therefore, we conclude that co-inoculation with P. fluorescens (BRM-32111) and B. pyrrocinia (BRM-32113) modified the anatomy and biochemistry of B. brizantha, promoting growth and nutrient accumulation. Therefore, these findings set up the basis for additional exploratory studies, using these rhizobacteria as biotechnological innovation with potential of use as biofertilizer in B. brizantha, aiming higher productivity and nutritive value in a more eco-friendly and sustainable pasture production system.