Association of growth-promoting bacteria and hydroponic system aiming at reducing the time of production of banana seedlings

ABSTRACT Banana micropropagation allows the production of vigorous and high-quality phytosanitary plants, which can be improved with the use of endophytic growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that stimulate the growth and development of plants. It is possible to associate them with hydroponics, allowing a high supply of seedlings and reducing the production cycle. The objective was to evaluate the effect of PGPB in a floating hydroponic system in the acclimatization phase of banana. The cultivars studied were Prata Anã and BRS Princesa. The treatments evaluated were as follows: control (nutrient broth without bacteria); Bacillus cereus strain 1 (BC1); Bacillus cereus strain 2 (BC2); Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); Buttiauxella agrestis (BA). Total height, pseudostem diameter, root length, number of leaves, fresh root mass, pseudostem, leaf and leaf area, stomatal conductance, internal carbon concentration, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf temperature and chlorophyll. Bacteria B. cereus strain 2 and B. agrestis in the cultivar Prata Anã and B. agrestis in BRS Princesa improved the acclimatization process of the seedlings in a floating hydroponic system. Stimulating plant growth, fresh weight and promoting root growth. The association of bacteria and hydroponics allowed the reduction of the seedling acclimatization period from 90 to 25 (Prata Anã) and 15 days (BRS Princesa).