In vivo evaluation of seed biopriming with Bacillus, Pseudomonas sp. and actinobacterial isolates on seed germination and seedling vigour of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Author: A. K. Kulsumbi, S. S. Chandrashekhar, J. S. Hilli, P. U. Krishnaraj and H. Ravikumar

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Abstract

This research was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, over the period of 2019-2021. Seed priming, a technique involving the hydration of seeds to activate metabolic processes without actual germination, followed by subsequent drying, has been recognized for its ability to enhance germination rates, seedling establishment, and stress tolerance across various crops. In this particular study, our objective was to assess the efficacy and potential of three distinct bacterial strains in promoting seedling vigour and improving germination percentages in the Byadgi dabbi, chilli variety. To achieve this, we employed a bio-priming method in which the chilli seeds were soaked in solutions containing eight different isolates of Bacillus, Pseudomonas sp. and actinobacteria strains for a standardized duration of 12 hours. Among the eight isolates from these three bacterial groups, B. subtilis, AUDP209, and AUDT636 exhibited significant and positive responses regarding seed germination rates, with values of 71.00%, 73.00%, and 75.00%, respectively. Similarly, these three isolates displayed enhanced seedling vigour, with corresponding values of 1168, 1104, and 1231, surpassing the performance of other isolates and the control group. Moreover, these specific isolates also led to greater root and shoot lengths. When comparing the three bacterial groups, it was observed that actinobacteria, which includes AUDP209 and AUDT636, proved to be the most effective in terms of enhancing both germination percentages and seedling vigour. This research sheds light on the potential benefits of employing specific bacterial strains, such as B. subtilis, AUDP209, and AUDT636, for bio-priming in chili cultivation, which can significantly contribute to improved seed germination and seedling development, ultimately enhancing crop productivity.

Keywords

Actinobacteria, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Seed biopriming, Seedling vigour

Conclusion

In vivo evaluation of Bacillus, Pseudomonas sp. and Actinobacteria was carried out with eight different strains for seed quality enhancing properties, among eight strains B. subtilis, AUDP209 and AUDT636 proved to be the prominent strains for enhancing seed germination and seedling vigour.

References

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How to cite this article

A. K. Kulsumbi, S. S. Chandrashekhar, J. S. Hilli, P. U. Krishnaraj and H. Ravikumar (2023). In vivo evaluation of seed biopriming with Bacillus, Pseudomonas sp. and actinobacterial isolates on seed germination and seedling vigour of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 885-891.