Enhancement of growth and physiological performance in maize hybrids through a dual consortium of native rhizobacterial strains

초록

The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms represents a viable biotechnological solution for improving the performance of staple crops. Given the high fertilizer requirements of maize, alternative strategies such as microbial promoters are essential to enhance development, increase yields, and minimize environmental and soil degradation. In this study, a dual bacterial consortium comprising Enterobacter cloacae and Priestia megaterium isolated from the rhizosphere of Parkinsonia aculeata was evaluated for its effects on maize growth. Field experiments followed a completely randomized design at the Yaqui Valley Technological Institute, using five maize hybrids. Treatments included the application of the bacterial consortium during pre-germination (T1), 15 days after emergence (T2), or no application (T3, control). Variables assessed included water absorption, germination percentage, initial and final plant height, root length and volume, maximum photosynthesis, transpiration, chlorophyll content, and NDVI, measured through the flowering stage. The bacterial consortium did not significantly affect seed water uptake capacity or germination rates compared to the control. However, it significantly improved root volume (p < 0.05), chlorophyll content (20% increase), NDVI (0.83 vs. 0.78 in controls), and photosynthetic rates (25% higher in T1/T2). No differences were observed between pre-germination (T1) and post-emergence (T2) applications. Photosynthetic rates during flowering exceeded 45 <mu>mol CO2 m- 2 s- 1 in all hybrids, marking a 25% increase in T1 and T2, compared to the control. These findings highlight the dual bacterial consortium as a promising eco-friendly alternative to enhance initial maize plant growth during the vegetative stages.

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