Enzyme activities and effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on growth in mountain tea

This study aimed to evaluate possible effects and enzyme activities of seven N-2-fixing and P-solubilizing microorganism based bio-fertilizers (Paenibacillus polymyxa RC05, Pseudomonas putida RC106, Bacillus subtilis RCK17, Pseudomonas fluorescens RCK1136, Pantoea agglomerans RK79, P. fluorescens RC77+B. subtilis RC63 and P. fluorescens RC77+ Bacillus megaterium RC07) growth of mountain tea. Results indicate that the highest fresh shoot weight (84%) and fresh root weight (52%) were obtained from the application of RC77+ RC63 combination. This combination also brings about the highest total chlorophyll content (51.2%). Other applications, especially RC77+ RC07 and RC05, revealed statistically significant improvements in above mentioned parameters, when compared to control. Application of RC77+ RC63, RC77+ RC07, and RC05 produced statistically significant results in terms of G6PD, 6PGD, GR, and GST enzyme activity. In conclusion, application of RC77+ RC63 and RC77+ RC07 combinations and RC05 strain have great potential to be used in sustainable and organic mountain tea production.