Effect of Bacillus subtilis 1 strain on the growth and development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under saline condition

Salt-tolerant microorganisms may improve soil fertility through decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling, by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen or through production of growth hormones. Plant growth in promoting rhizobacteria shows the positive effect in plants on such parameters as germination, plant growth and plant development under salt stress. The present investigation aims at application of salinity tolerant Bacillus subtilis 1 strain on plant growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under saline soil conditions. NaCl added into trypticase soy agar medium and various concentrations of NaCl (1 to 10%) were added to the medium and the test bacterial strains were streaked. Phosphate-solubilization test was conducted qualitatively by plating the bacteria on agar containing precipitated tricalcium phosphate. Salinity was obtained by adding 150 and 200 mM NaCl. Plants were grown for 4 weeks in a greenhouse. The results of this study showed that B. subtilis 1 strain tolerated 8% NaCl in medium. B. subtilis 1 strain produced P-solubilization in medium contained 1 to 8% NaCl. Salinity tolerant B. subtilis 1 strain was used for inoculation studies on wheat crop using saline soil under pot conditions. The B. subtilis 1 strain significantly increased the biomass, root and shoot growth of soybean at 150 and 200 mM NaCl condition compared to control uninoculated plants.