Effect of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria consortium to promote growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are biostimulants that favor plant development. We evaluated the effect of PGPR in chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). An experimental design of 5 treatments and 4 replicates was used for each crop. The bacterial species were Achromobacter xylosoxidans (C56), Arthobacter pokkalii (JLB4), Bacillus pumilus (AV5) and their combination as a consortium. The variables evaluated were: plant height, shoot diameter, relative chlorophyll index (SPAD) and freshweight of aerial part. In these experiments were observed significant differences with C56 to stimulate 11% plant height compared with the other treatments. Bacterial consortium stimulates 7.8% the relative chlorophyll index in lettuce and showing a trend to stimulate freshweight in both plants. The use of PGPR in consortium is an alternative that should be further studied to minimize the use of chemicals, enhance agricultural practicese and mitigate climate change.