Effect of inoculation with native solubilizing bacteria on the growth of Newhall orange

Abstract

One of the main constraints to production in lateritic soils is the low availability of phosphorus (P). Soil bacteria known as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), have the ability to solubilize insoluble forms of inorganic P mainly by producing organic acids and chelating calcium, iron or aluminum oxides. Inoculation with PSB selected to increase the native population can mobilize P from poorly available sources and thus improve plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival and competition in soil of two PSB native to lateritic soil, Enterobacter aerogenes R4M-A and Burkholderia caledonica R4M-O, and to analyze the effect of inoculation on the growth of Newhall orange (C. sinensis) plants. Strains Enterobacter aerogenes R4M-A and Burkholderia caledonica R4M-O were able to survive and compete effectively in soil, maintaining a minimum soil population of 107/108 CFU g-1 after 90 days of inoculation. Inoculation and fertilization showed a positive effect on plant growth, promoting greater total biomass.