Selenium resistant bacteria enhance Zea mays growth parameters under selenium stress

Abstract

Heavy metals normally accumulate in the environment and as a result they create various problems to life, especially to plants. In this study two selenium resistant bacteria, Bacillus pumils strain CrK08 and Bacillus licheniformis strain AsK03 were checked for their effect in enhancing growth of Zea mays in the clay pots experiment, under selenium stress. Both strains significantly promoted root length in control and in autoclaved soil. Number of roots from plant base was reduced in control and autoclave soil respectively. Moreover, the fresh weight and dry weight were reduced in control and autoclave soil plants. In selenium treated plants, fresh weight was high than in the non-treated plants. However, Strains also produced an increase in soluble protein content. Indole acetic acid (IAA) content was enhanced to and, while acid phosphatase activity was significantly lower in inoculated plants than the controls and peroxidase content reduced. Selenium content in control plants was high as compared to treated plants. So, these strains promote plant growth under Se stress (17 mg kg-1) in soil.