Application of Rhizobacteria Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Kocuria rosea T1Ks19 to Increase the Efficiency of Potato Cultivation in Aeroponics.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be used to increase plant growth rates in natural field conditions, as well as in micropropagation of plants in vitro and in substrate-free aero/hydroponic systems. This study demonstrates the ability of rhizobacteria Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Kocuria rosea T1Ks19 to stimulate the cultivation of potato microplants of the 'Nevsky' and 'Kondor' cultivars in in vitro culture, to increase the rate of adaptation of microplants to unsterile conditions of aeroponics ex vitro, and also to increase the productivity of minitubers. The conclusions obtained are based on the results of morphometric analysis of microplants, cytological analysis of stomata and biochemical assessment of the content of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase), as well as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in the leaves. The presence of bacteria on plant roots was monitored using enzyme immunoassay and CFU counting methods. It has been established that inoculation with the used combination of rhizobacteria stimulates the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes in microplants under stressful conditions, which leads to a decrease in the level of hydrogen peroxide. As a result, the adaptation efficiency, growth rates and productivity of micro-plants increase. It is recommended to inoculate potato microplants with A. baldaniorum Sp245 and K. rosea T1Ks19 strains at the stage of in vitro cultivation in the production of healthy seed material based on aeroponics in the potato seed production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]