EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING Bacillus Spp. AND Pseudomonas Spp. ON GROWTH, RHIZOSPHERIC POPULATION AND PHOSPHOROUS CONCENTRATION OF ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera)

Abstract

In the present study, Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. from the rhizosphere of Ashwagandha were isolated and characterized for various plant growth promoting properties. Out of 30 screened isolates, total six isolates, three belonging to Bacillus spp. (WsNB-2, WsNB-6 and WsJB-13) and three belonging to Pseudomonas spp. (WsCP-1, WsCP-5 and WsCP-6) were selected and used in the pot experiment to study their effect on growth of Ashwagandha, rhizospheric bacterial population and phosphorus concentration of soil. On the basis of pot trial, Pseudomonas spp. (WsCP -1) and Bacillus spp. (WsNB -2) were found to be the best in positively influencing both plant and soil. KeywordsBacillus, Pseudomonas, Ashwagandha, Biofertilizers, Medicinal plants