HIGHLIGHTS:
Anabaena cylindrica associated with Azospirillum brasilense favored the development and growth of corn.
Plant growth-promoting bacteria promote morphoanatomical alterations in the roots.
Anabaena cylindrica and Azospirillum brasilense provide efficient water and nutrients absorption.
ABSTRACT
Although the isolated effects of the cyanobacteria Anabaena cylindrica and the bacteria Azospirillum brasilense are well-known, the co-inoculation of both can promote other benefits to corn plants’ biological nitrogen fixation and growth. The aim was to evaluate the initial growth and chloroplast pigment levels of corn hybrids co-inoculated with A. brasilense and A. cylindrica. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions using the completely randomized design in a factorial scheme 2 × 4 with two hybrids, Balu 184 and Balu 280 Pro, and four inoculation treatments: no inoculation, inoculation of A. cylindrica, inoculation of A. brasilense, and the co-inoculation of A. cylindrica + A. brasilense. Co-inoculation resulted in higher root growth and dry mass of the aerial part in both hybrids; however, the hybrid Balu 280 Pro presented higher responsivity. The co-inoculation of A. brasilense and A. cylindrica increased initial corn growth without altering the photosynthetic pigment levels.
Key words:
Zea mays L.; Anabaena cylindrica; diazotrophs bacteria; microalgae; plant-growth-promoting bacteria
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