Phormidium sp. improves growth, auxin content and nutritional status of wild barley (Hordeum spantaneum L.)

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic, photosynthetic prokaryotes with the unique potential to enhance plant growth, development, and productivity. These microorganisms have the ability to stimulate plant growth by producing growth-inducing phytohormones and increasing the solubility of soil nutrients. In the present study, the plant growth-promoting potential of Phormidium sp. on the growth indices of wild barley seedlings was evaluated. Phormidium sp. is a filamentous and non-heterocystous cyanobacterium. Filaments are unbranched and usually in fine, smooth, layered microscopic or macroscopic mats. The results showed that dry weight and length of root and shoot, the content of nitrogen (2%), potassium (2%), and auxin (8%) phytohormone of wild barley seedlings treated with Phormidium sp. had a significant increase compared to the control group. Accordingly, the use of Phormidium sp. as a plant growth-promoting cyanobacteria seems a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers.