| Summary: | Aims: This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of previously isolated plant growth-promoting bacteria
(PGPR) (Acinetobacter sp. SR R-12) and organic supplements on the growth and nutrient content of chilli plant during its
vegetative growth phase.
Methodology and results: The present study involved the encapsulation of a previously identified strain of
Acinetobacter sp. (accession no: KB851199) using sodium alginate beads. A completely randomized design was
employed, and four different treatments were administered, namely T0-encapsulated PGPR alone; T1-encapsulated
PGPR + humic acid; T2-encapsulated PGPR + fish amino acid; and T3-encapsulated PGPR + humic acid + fish amino
acid. After 5 days, these treatments were applied to chilli seeds that had already been sowed. The plants were
harvested after 40 days after sowing, and various plant growth indicators and plant nutrient analyses were measured.
The results showed that T2 treatment produced the highest plant height (55.75 cm), fresh weight (34.03 g) and dry
weight (5.99 g) (P<0.05). On the other hand, treatment T3 resulted in the highest fresh root weight (5.43 g), dry root
weight (1.28 g) and leaf area (46.60 cm2). For plant nutrient analysis, T2 exhibited the highest levels of calcium (Ca)
(9586.00 mg/kg), magnesium (Mg) (8747.75 mg/kg), iron (Fe) (188.90 mg/kg), zinc (Zn) (63.67 mg/kg), potassium (K)
(50337.50 mg/kg), phosphorus (P) (8019.00 mg/kg), whereas T3 had the highest sodium (Na) (571.90 mg/kg) content.
Overall, the findings suggest that T2 and T3 treatments have a significant positive effect on plant growth and
development compared to the other treatments.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting
bacteria (PGPR) Acinetobacter sp. SR R-12 and organic supplements on enhancing various plant growth parameters
and nutrient contents in chilli plants. These findings highlight the potential use of Acinetobacter sp. SR R-12 and organic
supplements as a sustainable approach to promote chilli plants’ growth and nutrient uptake.
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