Pseudomonas fluorescens mediated vigour in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) under green house cultivation

Abstract

Pseudomonas fluorescens strains identified earlier as efficient biocontrol agents in black pepper vines enhanced the production of fibrous roots in the plant and increased the absorptive surface area of the roots. The root proliferation and enhanced vigour of black pepper brought about by P. fluorescens strains was attributed to the nutrient mobilisation in the rhizosphere by these beneficial strains thereby higher uptake by the plants. Significant uptake of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was noticed in bacterised plants. The study revealed the ability of the P. fluorescens strains to enhance nutrient mobilisation in the rhizosphere of black pepper, which resulted in enhanced plant vigour.