Growth promotion in maize (Zea mays L.) by Bacillus aryabhattai strain CMAA 1363.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the bacterium Bacillus arayabhattai strain CMAA 1363 in promoting maize growth and productivity, comparing it with a commercial formulation of an inoculant based on Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 Ab-V6. To this end, in each of four different edaphoclimatic regions, a trial was conducted consisting of six treatments as follows: four doses of B. aryabhattai, a standard dose of A. brasilense, and an absolute control, with four repetitions, totaling 24 experimental plots. The parameters evaluated were seed germination, phytotoxicity, plant height, stalk diameter, dry mass of the aerial parts and roots, and yield. The results showed that B. aryabhattai was not phytotoxic, promoted the growth of maize plants, and increased productivity at a dose of 4 mL kg-1 in a statistically similar way to the standard commercial product. Therefore, it may constitute a new inoculant for maize crop.