The Effect of Several Rhizobacteria Consortia Formulation and Bacterial Density to the Growth and Yield of Five Maize Cultivars in Indonesia

Maize is one of the important crop so production improvement is must be done to sufficient the needs. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria has become a feasible, efficient and sustainable approach to increase maize productivity. This study investigated the effect of several rhizobacteria consortia formulations and bacterial density on the growth and yield of five maize cultivars in Indonesia. The experiment was carried out using a nested-split plot randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of two rhizobacteria consortia formulation (granule and liquid) as nested, four rhizobacterial density (0, 107, 108, and 109 cfu mL–1) as main plot, and five maize cultivars (Bisi 18, Bisi 2, Pertiwi 3, Bisi 228, and Bisi 220) as subplot. The growth and yield data were analyzed through ANOVA and by means using DMRT α 5 % to determine the best treatment. Application of rhizobacteria consortia formulation on five maize varieties did significantly affect the growth and yield of maize although bacterial density did not showed the same results. Rhizobacteria consortia with granule formulation appeared significantly higher yield performance than liquid. Pertiwi 3 tended to produce higher average yield than other varieties for both rhizobacteria consortia formulation although the varieties did not significantly contribute on ear weight variables.