Isolation and characterization of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from rhizospheric soils of apple (Malus Domestica)

Abstract

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can promote the dissolution of insoluble phosphorus (P) in soil, enhancing the availability of soluble P. Thus, their application can reduce the consumption of fertilizer and aid in sustainable agricultural development. An attempt was made to isolate and screen potential phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) which are able to solubilize phosphate and can be used as biofertilizers in future. Apple (Malus domestica) rhizospheric soil samples were collected from the different villages of Anantnag, Kashmir, India. we have isolated twenty five different bacterial strains, out of 25 strains seven strains were selected which showed highest Zone of Clearance on modified Pikovskayas’s solid medium. All the Seven isolates (PSB1, PSB2, PSB3, PSB4, PSB5, PSB6, and PSB7) were morphologically and biochemically Characterized.