Abstract

Heavy metals normally accumulate in the environment and as a resultthey create various problems to life, especially to plants. In this studytwo selenium resistant bacteria, Bacillus pumils strain CrK08 andBacillus licheniformis strain AsK03 were checked for their effect inenhancing growth of Zea mays in the clay pots experiment, underselenium stress. Both strains significantly promoted root length incontrol and in autoclaved soil. Number of roots from plant base wasreduced in control and autoclave soil respectively. Moreover, the freshweight and dry weight were reduced in control and autoclave soil plants. In selenium treated plants, fresh weight was high than in the non-treated plants. However, Strains also produced an increase in soluble protein content. Indole acetic acid (IAA) content was enhanced to and, while acid phosphatase activity was significantlylower in inoculated plants than the controls and peroxidase content reduced. Selenium content in control plants was high as compared totreated plants. So, these strains promote plant growth under Se stress (17 mg kg-1) in soil.

Keywords: Selenium, heavy metal, Zea mays, Bacillus