Biochemical and physiological changes produced by Azotobacter chroococcum (INIFAT5 strain) on pineapple in vitro-plantlets during acclimatization

• Published in: Acta physiologiae plantarum 2013-12, Vol.35 (12), p.3483-3487
• Main Authors: González-Rodríguez, R. M, Serrato, R, Molina, J, Aragón, C. E, Olalde, V, Pulido, L. E, Dibut, B, Lorenzo, J. C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acclimation; Agriculture; amino acids; Azotobacter chroococcum; bacteria; biofertilizers; Biomedical and Life Sciences; calcium; chlorophyll; copper; fructose; iron; leaves; Life Sciences; magnesium; manganese; minerals; nitrogen; photosynthesis; pineapples; Plant Anatomy/Development; Plant Biochemistry; Plant Genetics and Genomics; plant growth; Plant Pathology; Plant Physiology; plantlets; potassium; proteins; Short Communication; sucrose; zinc
• ISSN: 0137-5881; 1861-1664
• DOI: 10.1007/s11738-013-1373-z

This study highlights some of the effects of the application of Azotobacter chroococcum (INIFAT5 strain) on in vitro-pineapple plantlets during acclimatization. The bacteria were sprayed immediately after transplanting to the ex vitro environment; the plants were then sprayed every 4 week. Subsequently (4 months) the evaluated variables included plantlet fresh and dry weights, leaf and root lengths, and composition of minerals, amino-acids, carbohydrates and proteins. Photosynthesis indicators were also evaluated. Significant effects of the application of Azotobacter over pineapple plantlets during acclimatization were observed in the mineral, amino-acid, carbohydrate and protein levels, as well as, in the photosynthesis indicators. Contrastingly, plant growth parameters showed modest increases caused by the bacteria, although they were statistically significant. Looking into specific minerals, the following significant effects of Azotobacter should be highlighted: increased levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Moreover, contents of all amino-acids recorded showed significant increases in their levels in sprayed plantlets. Carbohydrates were also increased in leaves of plantlets bio-fertilized with the bacteria, mainly sucrose and fructose. Chlorophyll b levels were also significantly increased by Azotobacter. The biofertilizer did not modify levels of calcium, iron or manganese.