Azospirillum plant growth-promoting strains are nonpathogenic on tomato, pepper, cotton, and wheat

Six strains of Azospirillum belonging to five species of plant growth-promoting bacteria (A. brasilense, A. lipoferum, A. amazonense, A. irakense, and A. halopraeference) did not cause visible disease symptoms on the roots or leaves of tomato, pepper, cotton, and wheat, failed to inhibit seed germination, and did not reduce plant dry weight when seven standard techniques for the inoculation of plant pathogens were used. Similar inoculation conditions with plant pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, Xanthomonas campestris pv. translucens, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum) induced typical disease symptoms. None of Azospirillum strains caused the hypersensitive reaction on eggplant, whereas all pathogens did. All Azospirillum strains increased phytoalexin production in all disease-resistant plant species to moderate levels, but the levels were significantly lower than those induced by the compatible pathogens. The various phytoalexins produced in plants had the capacity to inhibit growth of all Azospirillum strains. Azospirillum amazonense, A. irakense, and A. halopraeference had no apparent effect on plant growth, while A. brasilense and A. lipoferum increased the dry weight of all plant species. Under partial mist conditions, all Azospirillum strains were capable of colonizing leaf surfaces (10(3)-10(7) cfu/g dry weight) regardless of the plant species. These results provide experimental evidence that Azospirillum sp. might be considered safe for the inoculation of several plant species.