1 Leandro Pio de Sousa and 1*
Abstract
Twelve isolates of endophytic bacilli were obtained from the inner tissue of Jatropha curcas L. roots, a potentially important biofuel feedstock plant. In vitro studies were performed to test the phosphate solubilisation and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production of these isolates, of which four possessed these abilities. Based on phenotypic, physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic studies, the four isolates were identified as Bacillus (two Bacillus megaterium, one Bacillus thuringiensis and one yet to be identified. Bacillus megaterium BP4D strain exhibited the highest phosphate solubilisation level and IAA production level, and an overall plant growth-promoting effect, resulting in the enhancement of vegetative parameters. This study discusses the differential growth promotion in Jatropha curcas L. by different strains of Bacillus and demonstrates the potential use of Bacillus megaterium BP4D strain as a biofertiliser.