Selection and RAPD analysis of Pseudomonas ssp. isolates able to improve biological viability of potato seed tubers

Indoleacetic acid (IAA) producing Pseudomonas isolates from the rhizosphere of maize (Q4 and Q20), alfalfa (Q1 and Q16) and wild red clover (B25) were selected for the investigation of their effect on the biological vitality of the potato seed tubers. The production of IAA ranged from 4.09 to 15.9 µ gmL- 1 after 24h of cultivation and 4.08 to 26.4 µ gmL-1 after 48h of cultivation. The molecular comparison by RAPD analysis also was done. RAPD patterns of selected Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained by BC318, AF14, SPH 1 and AP 10 primers demonstrated the suitability of RAPD method in distinguishing a high variability among the four isolates (44 to 68%). The effect on the biological viability of potato (industrially important variety Pirol) was observed during the seven weeks of sprouting at the temperature of 18-20°C. Potato tubers treated by the selected isolates formed slightly lower number of sprouts, but statistically higher mean length - up to 129.9% higher than the control. The mean sprouting capacity was 64.5% higher than a control. Obtained results suggested positive effects of selected IAA producing Pseudomonas isolates on the length of potato tubers and sprouting capacity as the parameters which define biological viability. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46007]