The role of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) inoculations on grain yield, dry matter remobilization and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

This experiment was carried out in both pot and field conditions to assess the effects of three native potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB: including Pantoea agglomerans, Rahnella aquatilis and Pseudomonas orientalis which were isolated from paddy fields) on grain yield (GY), dry matter remobilization (DMR) and translocation (DMT), dry matter translocation efficiency (DME) and contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates (CA) from the leaves and leaves plus stem to the grain in rice (Oryza sativa L). The results indicated that the KSBs significantly increased GY around 20–38% in the pot and 20–52% in the field, especially when half of the recommended potassium fertilizer was applied (K₂So₄, 44% K₂O) as compared to the control. Results also showed that the KSB inoculations and chemical fertilizers had a significant effect on DMR, DMT, DME and CA. In conclusion, these KSBs can be utilized as bio-inoculants for half reduction of K chemical fertilizer consumption in rice production systems.

Keywords:

• bio-inoculants
• pantoea agglomerans
• potassium fertilizer
• pseudomonas orientalis
• rahnella aquatilis

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT) and Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari, Iran for providing financial support for this study.