Abstract
The association of plant beneficial Azospirillum and Bacillus spp. strains expressing different sets of PGP traits may have complementary or supplementary effects on host plants. In the present investigation, A. formosense and Bacillus spp. strains showing diverse PGP traits (IAA production, nitrogenase activity, phosphate, zinc and potassium solubilization, siderophores, antagonism against phytopathogens, osmotic stress tolerance, etc.) were assessed for compatibility by cross-streaking and co-culturing. Under co-culture (Azospirillum + Bacillus), a significant increase in the expression of PGP traits, nitrogenase activity (up to 89%), phosphate solubilization (upto 236%), siderophore production (upto 20%) was observed as compared to individual Azospirillum culture, indicating synergistic effect of co-culture. IAA production was higher in Azospirillum sp. strains as compared to Bacillus spp. strains, when cultured individually; however, when co-cultured, the IAA levels were in the mid-range indicating the contributory effects of compatible strains. The effect of individual Azospirillum and Bacillus strains and their co-inoculation was also assessed on the growth of pearl millet at early stages under moisture-deficit stress imposed using PEG6000 (0, 10, and 20%). Co-inoculation enhanced seed germination (up to 10, 3, and 6% increase under 0, 10, and 20% PEG, respectively, over individual Azospirillum treatment), root traits (increased root hair density and lateral branches), and seedling vigor indices (up to 22, 32, 43% increase in seed vigor index I and 8, 14, and 10% increase in seed vigor index II under 0, 10, 20% PEG, respectively, over individual Azospirillum treatment) under normal as well as moisture-deficit conditions suggesting the role of Bacillus spp. strains in better adaptation of the plants to stress and higher yield potential. The synergistic effect of co-cultured Azospirillum and Bacillus strains on PGP traits indicated metabolic interplay between the two strains which needs to be further understood. The positive effect of co-inoculation on plant growth under moisture-deficit stress indicated the promise of Azospirillum and Bacillus as a synergistic bioformulation for combating nutrient and drought stress in pearl millet, particularly in nutrient-poor dryland agricultural systems. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03503-4.