Morphological and biochemical characters of various isolates of rhizobacteria from rhizosphere of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract. Desi Y, Novia P, Asnurita. 2016. Morphological and biochemical characters of various isolates of rhizobacteria from rhizosphere of maize (Zea mays). Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 1-5. Microorganism belonging to PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) is now widely studied because of the potential to increase the growth and crop production. One role of PGPR can be as a biocontrol agent that serves to protect the plants through a system of phyto-pathogenic organism. The purpose of study was to determine the morphological and biochemical characters of various rhizobacteria isolates derived from rhizosphere of healthy plant among unhealthy plants infected by Stewart’s wilt disease on maize. Sampling was conducted in several locations in West Pasaman, West Sumatra, i.e. Puja Rahayu, Koto Baru, Simpang Tiga, Padang Rajo and Bancah Rambah. The methode of research is descriptive analysis and did not use an experimental design. The parameters observed included total population, morphological character, Gram test and biochemical test. The biochemical test consisted of urease test, hydrolysis of starch, acid and gas production, hydrolysis of casein, gelatin liquefaction, H2S production, indole production and catalase activity. The results showed that 10 isolates were able to produce indole so potentially as PGPR and might be used as a biocontrol agent to against Stewart's wilt disease on maize caused by Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii