Effect of Bacillus spp. son agricultural growth and yield of potato in vitro plant cv. `Romano' in greenhouse

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) culture requires the intensive use of fertilizers which are expensive and cause environmental damage to soil and water. The application of microorganisms that may contribute to plant nutrition would be an alternative to reduce chemical fertilizers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of plant growth promoting bacteria of Bacillus genus on minituber production at greenhouse. In vitro potato plants cv. `Romano' obtained by organogenesis and five strains of bacteria (CCIBP-M27, CCIBP-C5 CCIBP-B14, and CCIBP CCIBP-W13-B12) to be applied to plants by dipping the roots in the bacterial suspension. In addition, controls were included without fertilizer. The application of bacterial strains increased the height of the plants with significant differences to the control with and without fertilizer. Also they influenced the number of minitubers per plant, dry mass and dimensions. It was found that inoculation of bacteria at the time of planting influenced the growth and development of in vitro potato plants cv. `Romano'. Differences evaluated variables were observed depending of bacterial strains. Key words: minituber, plant growth promoting bacteria, Solanum tuberosum