Bacillus circulans-novel bio-inoculant for fcv tobacco

Both nursery and field experiments were conducted with Bacillus circulans during 2008–09. Effect of seed bacterization with carrier based (1% w/w) inoculum of B. circulans was tested in tobacco nursery and recovered highest number of healthy and vigorous transplantable seedlings. Inoculation with B. circulans alongwith the recommended dose of fertilizer in the irrigated tobacco enhanced the population of B. circulans in the rhizosphere and chlorophyll content in the leaf, yield of green leaf, cured leaf, grade index, apart from quality in all positions compared to un inoculated treatment and proved to be a promising biofertilizer for northern light soil tobacco. Biological activities are enhanced by microbial interactions in the rhizosphere of tobacco plants. The PGPR, B. circulans could influence the plant growth directly through the production of phytohormones and indirectly through the production of biocontrol agents against soil borne phytopathogens.