Screening for siderophore producing PGPR from black cotton soils of North Maharashtra

Study on indigenous micro-flora of local rhizosphere and identification of efficient plant growth promoters is important for development of good bioinoculants for re-strengthening of otherwise derailing IPM initiative. In this direction, we performed screening for efficient siderophoregenic PGPRs from rhizospheres of healthy and economically important crops in black cotton soils of North Maharashtra. Pseudomonas putida DFC31 isolated and identified in present study was able to improve overall vigor/percent germination of groundnut seeds and also partially inhibit the growth of potent phyto-pathogens. Its sidero-analysis revealed that this siderophore molecule contains hydroxamate as well as catecholate iron chelating groups. Spectrometric study in various forms of siderophores confirmed that this siderophore belongs to pyoverdine type. In addition to siderophore production, IAA production and phosphate solubilization attributes were observed. Data presented herewith lays foundation for advanced studies on strain, in near future.