Characterization of Bacillus isolates from Pea fields based on IAA production and growth promotion activities

Isolation of rhizosphere bacteria that facilitate plant growth of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) crop growing in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in 19 isolates. The present work deal with isolation and characterization of 12 Bacillus bacterial isolates with indole acetic acid (IAA) producing capacity. Optimization of IAA production was carried out at with varying media components. Partial purification of IAA was done and purity confirmed with thin layer chromatography. Since IAA production is one of a major property, isolates were tested by assay. Study concluded that isolate HPMI-10 was the best IAA producing bacteria, resulting in better % germination with higher vigorous index for promising varieties and may be used as an efficient bio-fertilizer, plant growth promoters (PGP) and bio-pesticide inoculants for healthy plants.