Effect of Azospirillum Brasilense strains on the iron uptake and N₂‐fixation by roots of Cheena (Panicum miliaceum) genotypes

Abstract

Enhanced ⁵⁹Fe‐uptake by roots of cheena genotypes after inoculation of A. brasilense strains was studied. Inoculation with either of two strains (RAU‐1 and RAU‐2) of A. brasilense significantly enhanced (20–30%) the uptake of Fe and increased N₂ase activity of roots of the genotypes of cheena over uninoculated controls. Strain RAU‐1 induced significantly more iron uptake, N₂ase activity and total yield in Fe‐efficient (BR‐7 and RAU‐M5) than Fe‐inefficient (RAU‐M1 and RAU‐M2) genotypes. Iron stressed roots of Fe‐inefficient plants showed higher TTC reduction and low active iron content.

Key words:

• Azospirillum brasilense
• Panicum miliacium
• Genotypes
• TTC reduction
• N₂ase activity