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Plant growth promotion and induction of resistance in Camellia sinensis by Bacillus megaterium
Author(s) -
Chakraborty Usha,
Chakraborty Bishwanath,
Basnet Merab
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of basic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.58
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1521-4028
pISSN - 0233-111X
DOI - 10.1002/jobm.200510050
Subject(s) - bacillus megaterium , biology , chitinase , siderophore , rhizosphere , camellia sinensis , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , botany , biochemistry , enzyme , genetics
Bacillus megaterium de Bary TRS‐4 was isolated from tea rhizosphere and tested for its ability to promote growth and cause disease reduction in tea plants. In vivo studies revealed the ability of this bacterium to promote growth of tea plants very significantly. Brown root rot disease, caused by Fomes lamaoensis was markedly reduced by application of the bacterium to the soil. Population of F. lamaoensis in soil before and after application of B. megaterium, as determined by ELISA and dot‐blot using PAb raised against the pathogen, was shown to be greatly reduced in presence of the bacterium. Biochemical changes induced in tea plants were also examined. Root colonization by B. megaterium and subsequent inoculation with F. lamaoensis also led to an increase in polyphenolics, as well as in defense related enzymes‐peroxidase, chitinase, β ‐1,3‐glucanase and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase. Determination of mechanism of action of this bacterium revealed it to be able to solubilize phosphate, produce IAA, siderophore and antifungal metabolite. The plant growth promotion and reduction of disease intensity have been shown to be due to a combination of several mechanisms. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)