Effects of exogenously applied plant growth regulators in combination with PGPR on the physiology and root growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and their role in drought tolerance

• Published in: Journal of plant interactions 2018-01, Vol.13 (1), p.239-247
• Main Authors: Khan, Naeem, Bano, Asghari, Zandi, Peiman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chickpea; drought tolerance; lipid peroxidation; PGPR; PGR
• ISSN: 1742-9145; 1742-9153
• DOI: 10.1080/17429145.2018.1471527

Both the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth regulators (PGR) exert beneficial effects on plant growth even under stress, but combined effect of both of them has not been evaluated yet. Present investigation was aimed to determine the responses of 2 chickpea varieties (differing in drought tolerance) to 3 PGPR viz. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus megaterium and PGR (SA and Putrescine) on physiology of chickpea grown in sandy soil. The PGR, Salicylic acid (SA) and Putrescine (Put) were sprayed on the seedling 20 days after germination. Results revealed, synergistic effects of PGPR and PGR on chlorophyll, protein and sugar contents. Addition of PGR to PGPR inoculated plants assisted the plant in osmoregulation and amelioration of oxidative stresses and in induction of new proteins. Combined application of PGR and PGPR decreased lipid peroxidation more effectively but increased the leaf area. It is inferred that PGPR and PGR work synergistically to promote growth of plants under moisture and nutrient deficit condition of sandy soil. Since, SA induces Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) in plants hence the addition of SA along with PGPR may render the plant more productive and better tolerant to diseases/pathogen attack.