Potential of Rhizosphere Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Growth of Mindi (Melia azedarach L.) Seedlings

Abstract

The interaction between rhizosphere bacteria and AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) can potentially increase AMF colonization on plant roots. This research aims to analyze the influence of various rhizosphere bacteria on mindi (Melia azedarach L.)  plant biomass and the interaction between rhizosphere bacteria and AMF in increasing colonization of the roots of mindi seedlings. The rhizosphere bacteria used consisted of Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Azospirillum sp., and Azotobacter sp. In contrast, the AMF isolate was a mixture of Gigaspora margarita, Acaulospora spinosa and Glomus manihotis species. The results showed that using Azotobacter sp. provided the highest increase in root biomass compared to control and other bacterial treatments. Indole Acetic Acid production was highest in Azotobacter sp. The interaction of rhizosphere bacteria with AMF can increase the percentage of AMF colonization on plant roots, and the highest level of colonization was found in mindi seedlings inoculated with Azotobacter sp. In general, the use of Azotobacter sp. and AMF can be a practical approach to improve the growth and survival of mindi seedlings under unfavourable soil conditions.