<i>Azotobacter chroococcum</i> F8/2: a multitasking bacterial strain in sugar beet biopriming
Slavica Kerečki, Ilinka Pećinar, Vera Karličić, Nemanja Mirković, Igor Kljujev, Vera Raičević, Jelena Jovičić‐Petrović
Abstract
This study assesses the effects of Azotobacter biopriming on the early development of sugar beet. Azotobacter chroococcum F8/2 was screened for plant growth promoting characteristics and biopriming effects were estimated through germination parameters and the structural changes of the root tissues. A. chroococcum F8/2 was characterized as a contributor to nitrogen, iron, and potassium availability, as well as a producer of auxin and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxilic acid deaminase. Applied biopriming had reduced mean germination time by 34.44% and increased vigor I by 90.99% compared to control. Volatile blend comprised 47.67% ethanol, 32.01% 2-methyl-propanol, 17.32% 3-methyl-1-butanol, and a trace of 2,3-butanedione. Root micromorphological analysis of bioprimed sugar beet revealed a considerable increase in primary, secondary xylem area, and vessels size. Obtained results determine A. chroococcum F8/2 as a successful biopriming agent, and active participant in nutrient availability and hormonal status modulation affecting root vascular tissue.