Characterization of the effects of Bacillus velezensis FZB42 on plant performance in lab and field trials

Abstract: Knowledge about plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), their mode of action and bacteria-plant interactions is often limited to few model organisms. We investigated colonization behaviour of Bacillus velezensis FZB42 in different monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops as well as the effects of FZB42 seed treatment with and without fungicide on health, growth and corn yield in maize and on the impact the bacterial rhizosphere community. FZB42 showed higher rhizosphere competence in dicotyledonous crops. Treatment-specific differences in bacterial communities were found in one out of two field sites.