Study on combining ability, heterosis and genetic parameters of yield traits in rice

In recent times, there has been a renewed interest in the search of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for sustainable crop production. Rice is an economically important food crop, which is subjected to infection by a host of fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens. In this study, an attempt was made to isolate Pseudomonas spp., a potent PGPR in the rhizosphere. Through appropriate microbiological and biochemical methods, the study demonstrated the presence of fluorescent and nonfluorescent Pseudomonads in the rhizosphere of chemical intensive rice growing environments. Augmentation of such PGPR including, Pseudomonads in the rice ecosystems will ensure a healthy micro climate for rice.