Effect of different strains of Bacillus subtilis on growth and grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus subtilis strains on maize [Zea mays (L.) var. SC 704] in respect to nitrogen application, and their relationship with yield, harvest index (HI), plant height and yield components. Experiment was conducted with five strains of B. subtilis (Russian 2, 25-1, American 7, Chinese 5, 26-1) and control treatments (un-inoculated with Bacillus) in sub-plots and nitrogen fertilizer [75% (340 kg urea/ha) and 100% (340 kg urea/ha)] were in main plots. The total yield was increased about 32% by Russian 2 than control treatments at 75 and 100% of N applied, which represents a relative of N supply with these strains. 25-1, 26-1 and Chinese 5 strains had no significant differences on investigated traits. High harvest index and low values of nitrogen were associated with high plant height with Bacillus strains was advantageous for yield production.