Effectiveness of Fungal Bacterial Interactions as Biofilmed Biofertilizers on Enhancement of Root Growth of Hevea Seedlings

This study examined the influence of biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) on the root growth of Hevea seedling under greenhouse conditions. Morphologically different bacteria and fungi were isolated from rubber root rhizosphere and investigate their efficiency of biofilm formation. Prepared biofilm biofertilizer was applied with different rates of chemical fertilizers. Growth promoting effect of BFBFs coinoculation was evaluated with rubber seedlings growing in microcosms. Root growth was evaluated at the end of the experiment. It was observed that, BFBFs application as compared to inorganic fertilizer application only treatment increased root growth of the seedling rubber plants. The response of BFBFs was more pronounced than that of full recommended inorganic fertilizer application. These findings contribute to the understanding of the interplay between BFBFs and rubber seedlings at nursery stage. Importantly, co-inoculation with BFBFs at nursery stage could be effective biofertilization strategy for rubber seedling production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jepsl.v3i2.7844 Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2014 Vol. 3 No. 2: 25-4