Influence of phosphate solubilizing pseudomonas and bacillus strains on the growth of Ashvagandha (Withania somnifera)

Twenty seven bacterial strains of both Pseudomonas and Bacillus sp. from the rhizosphere of Ashvagandha were isolated and screened out for phosphate solubilization and production of other types of plant growth promoting activities affecting directly or indirectly. Out of twenty seven strains six strains, three of Bacillus sp. (WsNB-2, WsNB-6, and WsNB-13) and three of Pseudomonas sp. (WsCP-1, WsCP-5 and WsCP-6) were selected to study the effect of phosphate solubilizing strains on the growth of rooted cutting of Ashvagandha and on other soil parameters like root colonization and phosphorous content of soil before and after the experiment. The selected strains significantly enhanced plant height after two months of plantation. Rhizosphere bacterial population increased significantly, which has resulted in nutrient mobilization and ultimately resulted in enhanced plant growth.