In vitro compatibility evaluation of agriusable nanochitosan on beneficial plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and maize plant

Combined application of bioinoculants and agriusable nanocompounds has the potential to make beneficial impact on agricultural sector. Plant growth-promoting activities of bioinoculants and unique physical properties of nanocompounds can synergistically help to overcome challenges such as low crop productivity, overuse of agrochemicals and nutrient loss in agricultural practices. The present study was conducted to assess the biocompatibility of two bacterial cultures and their effect on maize by way of phosphate solubilization, production of siderophore and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase. Results indicated that both the bacterial isolates were compatible with each other and showed better phosphate solubilization and siderophore production when used jointly. Presence of acdS gene in bacterial strains also supported the role of bioinoculants under biotic and abiotic stresses. Impact of nanochitosan on bioinoculants evaluated on the basis of growth pattern, number of colony-forming units and by SEM analysis was encouraging significantly. Bacterial cultures and nanochitosan showed significantly enhanced seed germination and plant vigor including plant height, chlorophyll and carotenoid content over control in maize. The present study indicated the positive effect of nanochitosan on bacterial growth and hence can be used as a bioformulation to enhance plant health parameters and shelf life of the test bioinoculants.