[The growth-promoting effect of Beijerinckia and Clostridium sp. cultures on some agricultural crops].

Abstract

New strains of Beijerinckia mobilis and Clostridium sp. isolated from the pea rhizosphere were studied with respect to their promoting effect on the growth and development of some agricultural crops. Seed soaking in bacterial suspensions followed by the soil application of the suspensions or their application by means of foliar spraying was found to be the most efficient method of bacterization. The application of B. mobilis and Clostridium sp. cultures in combination with mineral fertilizers increased the crop production by 1.5-2.5 times. The study of the population dynamics of B. mobilis by the method of genetic marking showed that this bacterium quickly colonized the rhizoplane of plants and, therefore, had characteristics of an r-strategist. At the same time, Clostridium sp. was closer to K-strategists, since this bacterium slowly colonized the econiches studied. The introduction of the bacteria into soil did not affect the indigenous soil bacterial complex. The presence of Clostridium sp. slowed down the colonization of roots by the fungal mycelium. The possible mechanisms of the plant growth-promoting activity of B. mobilis and Clostridium sp. are discussed.