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Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for plant growth, yet its uptake is often hindered by soil factors like clay minerals and metal oxides such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca), which bind P and limit its availability. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the unique ability to convert insoluble P into a soluble form, thereby fostering plant growth. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of inoculation of Bacillus megaterium B119 (rhizospheric) and B. subtilis B2084 (endophytic) via seed treatment in enhancing maize yield, grain P content, and enzyme activities across two distinct soil types in field conditions. Additionally, we investigated various mechanisms contributing to plant growth promotion, compatibility with commercial inoculants, and the maize root adhesion profile of these strains. During five crop seasons in two experimental areas in Brazil, Sete Lagoas-MG and Santo Antônio de Goiás-GO, single inoculations with either B119 or B2084 were implemented in three seasons, while a co-inoculation with both strains was applied in two seasons. All treatments received P fertilizer according to plot recommendations, except for control. Both the Bacillus strains exhibited plant growth-promoting properties relevant to P dynamics, including phosphate solubilization and mineralization, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like molecules, siderophores, exopolysaccharides (EPS), biofilms, and phosphatases, with no antagonism observed with Azospirillum and Bradyrizhobium. Strain B2084 displayed superior maize root adhesion compared to B119. In field trials, single inoculations with either B119 or B2084 resulted in increased maize grain yield, with relative average productivities of 22 and 16% in Sete Lagoas and 6 and 3% in Santo Antônio de Goiás, respectively. Co-inoculation proved more effective, with an average yield increase of 24% in Sete Lagoas and 11% in Santo Antônio de Goiás compared to the non-inoculated control. Across all seasons, accumulated grain P content correlated with yield, and soil P availability in the rhizosphere increased after co-inoculation in Santo Antônio de Goiás. These findings complement previous research efforts and have led to the validation and registration of the first Brazilian inoculant formulated with Bacillus strains for maize, effectively enhancing and P grain content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of plants with rhizobacteria can enhance plant growth, reducing production costs. Benefic rhizobacteria can stimulate plant growth being an alternative for production of onions. This research assesses the impact of applying rhizobacteria in the growth and productivity of cv. Bola Precoce onions. The study was conducted in the Experimental Station of Epagri, Ituporanga, SC, Brazil in 2008. The experimental design was in random blocks with five repetitions using Pseudomonas spp. W6, B Bacillus megaterium W19 e Bacillus cereus UFV40 rhizobacteria, microbiolized singly in seeds or in a formula together with non-treated control. The treatments involving rhizobacteria application yielded higher heights, diameter of pseudo-trunk and number of leaves in the plants assessed at 90 days after transplant. All the plants which received treatments with rhizobacteria presented better results considering the fresh weight and yield of bulb in relation to the control. The mass of bulbs were positively affected by the treatments, especially for Bacillus megaterium W19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Bacillus megaterium bacteriophage is characterized. It is a tailed phage with regular polyhedral head belonging to Bradley's group B. Head and tail dimensions are 56.4 and 300 nm, respectively. Lysis was restricted to strains of B. megaterium. No antigenic relationship with pumilus phage FP-1 or subtilis phage FS-1 was observed. The phage is sensitive to 60 degrees C and moderately sensitive to chloroform. The nucleic acid is double-stranded linear DNA with a G-C mole% of 38.8 and a mol wt of (53 +/- 3) X 10(6).