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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2004; 6(5): 643-650
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821101
Original Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Microbial Populations and Activities in the Rhizoplane of Rock-Weathering Desert Plants. II. Growth Promotion of Cactus Seedlings

M. E. Puente1 , C. Y. Li2 , Y. Bashan1
  • 1Environmental Microbiology Group, Center for Biological Research of the Northwest (CIB), P.O. Box 128, La Paz, B.C.S. 23000, Mexico
  • 2USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 August 2004 (online)

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Abstract

Four bacterial species isolated from the rhizoplane of cacti growing in bare lava rocks were assessed for growth promotion of giant cardon cactus seedlings (Pachycereus pringlei). These bacteria fixed N2, dissolved P, weathered extrusive igneous rock, marble, and limestone, and significantly mobilized useful minerals, such as P, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in rock minerals. Cardon cactus seeds inoculated with these bacteria were able to sprout and grow normally without added nutrients for at least 12 months in pulverized extrusive igneous rock (ancient lava flows) mixed with perlite. Cacti that were not inoculated grew less vigorously and some died. The amount of useful minerals (P, K, Fe, Mg) for plant growth extracted from the pulverized lava, measured after cultivation of inoculated plants, was significant. This study shows that rhizoplane bacteria isolated from rock-growing cacti promote growth of a cactus species, and can help supply essential minerals for a prolonged period of time.

Key words

Azospirillum - Bacillus - cactus - cardon - Citrobacter - desert - N2-fixation - Pachycereus - phosphate solubilization - Pseudomonas - rock degradation - rock weathering - soil formation.

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Y. Bashan

Environmental Microbiology Group
Center for Biological Research of the Northwest (CIB)

P.O. Box 128

La Paz, B.C.S. 23000

Mexico

Email: bashan@cibnor.mx

Section Editor: M. C. Ball