Co-inoculation of wheat with Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus spp. as a more sustainable alternative in agriculture

Abstract

The production cost of wheat has significantly increased, mainly due to the rise in fertilizer costs, which represent 25% to 30% of the investment. Inoculating wheat with plant growth-promoting bacteria, such as those from the genus Azospirillum, can help reduce the need for chemical inputs and increase crop productivity. However, the use of specific microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus aryabhattai, Bacillus circulans, and Bacillus haynesii, is still poorly explored in wheat cultivation. Inoculation and co-inoculation were performed post-emergence, when the plants were in the V3 stage. The experiment was implemented under a randomized block design (RBD), with 5 treatments: T1: 100% of the recommended nitrogen dose; T2: 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose; T3: 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose + 200 L ha-1 of Azospirillum brasilense solution; T4: 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose + 200 L ha-1 of Azospirillum brasilense solution + Pseudomonas fluorescens; T5: 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose + 200 L ha-1 of Azospirillum brasilense solution + Bacillus ssp.The variables plant height and number of tillers showed statistical differences, while no statistical differences were observed in the other variables. The use of these microorganisms in agriculture presents promising potential. no statistical differences were observed in the other variables. The use of these microorganisms in agriculture presents an extremely promising potential.