Influence of plant-growth-promoting bacteria on germination, growth and nutrients' uptake of Onobrychis sativa L. under drought stress

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of growth-promoting bacteria (Azotobacter vinelandii = A, Pantoea agglomerans + P. putida = P, combined A + P, control) on the germination, growth and nutrient uptake of Onobrychis sativa L. under drought stress (field capacity (FC), 0.7 FC, 0.4 FC). The results showed that the highest and lowest germination rate (GR) was related to the P and control treatments in FC level, respectively. The maximum root and shoot length at the FC level was related to the treatment A. In the A + P treatment, the maximum shoot dry weight was measured in 0.7 FC level. The lowest root dry weight was also related to the A + P treatment in the FC level. Bio-fertilizers had the maximum impact in increasing the nutrients uptake in 0.7 FC and FC levels. The fertilizers in 0.7 FC and FC levels increased the plant traits and played no significant role in mitigating the effects of drought stress.