Beneficial Changes in Capsicum frutescens Due to Priming by Plant Probiotic Burkholderia spp.

Plant probiotic mechanisms of endophytic microorganisms are highly remarkable as it play key role in growth and health of plants. Even though Burkholderia spp. have been studied for their role in plant growth and disease management, report on their field performance is very limited. Hence, the objective of the study was to investigate the plant probiotic performance of selected Burkholderia spp. on Capsicum frutescens. The results of the study showed bacterial influence on growth of C. frutescens with remarkable induction of early flowering and fruiting. Most interestingly, the plants treated with Burkholderia strains, ZoB74 and ZoB82 were found to have limited infestation with Bemisia tabaci. However, the control plants and those treated with Burkholderia ZoB86 were observed to have stunted growth with crumpled and curled leaves with no flowers or fruits. Hence, the study confirmed the strain specific potential of Burkholderia spp. in triggering the early flowering and fruiting in C. frutescens with associated protection from insect attack.