The Effectiveness of Saline Soil Rhizobacteria from the Coast of North Konawe Regency in Increasing Seed Viability and Vigor of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)

The aim of the study was to obtain potential indigenous rhizobacteria as growth promoters and adaptive to saline soils. The isolate was isolated from the saline soil rhizosphere on the coast in the North Konawe district. The study was conducted at the Agronomy Unit Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University from April to September 2022. The study was arranged based on a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of 19 test isolates. The isolates were tested for their effectiveness in increasing the viability and vigor of tomato seeds. The test was carried out using a seed biopriming technique, then the seeds were germinated using a standard germination procedure. The observed variables included maximum growth potential, seed germination, vigor index, seed uniformity, relative growth rate and T50. The results showed that seed treatment using rhizobacteria isolated from saline soil significantly increased tomato seeds' viability and vigor, as seen in the variables of maximum growth potential, germination, vigor index, relative growth rate and reduced T50. From this study, 6 isolates were selected which have the potential to stimulate the growth of tomato seeds, namely KNU2, KNU3, KNU8, KNU13, KNU15 and KNU17. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of this isolate in increasing the growth and yield of tomato plants under salinity stress conditions in the field.