Application of bacterial endophytes as bioinoculant enhances germination, seedling growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Ten endophytic bacteria isolated from maize plants at farmer fields were characterized for their endophytic association and various biochemical activities such as production of phytohormones, siderophore and phosphate solubilization. All the selected isolates produced indole acetic acid. However, four isolates (BHU3, BHU8, BHU9 and BHU10) have ability for phosphate solubilization. Siderophore production was shown by six isolates (BHU1, BHU2, BHU3, BHU5, BHU8 and BHU10). Activates of endophytic bacterial isolates under field conditions indicated significant increase in seed germination, chlorophyll content, cob length, plant height, test weight, grain yield and harvest index over control. Isolates BHU3, BHU8 and BHU10 performed relatively better than the other isolates.