Growth enhancement of lettuce by rhizobacteria

Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as plant growth boosters can be an option for increased productivity in several crops, including lettuce. Four assays with rhizobacteria isolates from different origins were carried out to verify their potential for growth enhancement in lettuce. Seventy seven fluorescent pseudomonads, 23 Bacillus, and 11 other rhizospheric bacteria isolates were tested in sterilized sand, in sterilized soil, and in a substrate mixture of soil and cattle manure (1:1, in volume), similar to the mixture used by producers, and in sand with a hydroponic solution, in two concentrations. The beneficial effect of fluorescent pseudomonades was remarkably superior, compared to the other genera. The lettuce rhizosphere possibly favors fluorescent pseudomonads, causing an improved plant growth. According to the substrate fertility, there were differences in the behavior of the isolates.