Characterization
of Plant Growth promoting Rhizobacteria isolated from Chickpea (Cicer arietinum
L.) producing areas in Central and South Gondar zones, Ethiopia
Belay Abrham Andargachew, Muleta Degefa Atsede and Teshome Awlachew Zewdu
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(6); 108-116;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/206rjbt1080116; (2025)
Abstract
The main objective of this work was to isolate and characterize the plant growth
promoting abilities of chickpea rhizobacteria from highly chickpea growing areas
of central and south Gondar zones. Soil samples were collected from 89 farmer fields
and serial dilutions were carried out to isolate rhizobacteria. A total of 149 chickpea
rhizobacteria isolates were isolated. From the total isolates, 48(32%) were phosphate
solubilizers with solubilization indices ranging from 1.49 to 3.49. Most of the
isolates (87.5%) produced indole acetic acid ranging from 11.56 μg ml-1 to 54.53
μg ml-1. Screening for in vitro antifungal activities against F.oxysporum f.sp.ciceris
showed that 18 (38%) isolates inhibited growth. Fourteen isolates (29%) produced
siderophore, 21 (44%) and 47 (98%) isolates produced HCN and ammonia respectively.
31 (65%), 29 (60%) and 30 (63%) isolates were positive for protease, cellulase and
chitinase production respectively. Four isolates GUCRB 4, 21, 76 and 124 were selected
for 16S rRNA gene sequence and identified as Alcaligenes sp., Enterobacter mori,
Serratia marcescens and Brevibacillus brevis respectively. The potential isolates
are recommended for field trials and then they can be used as inoculants to improve
the productivity of chickpea.
