%0 Journal Article %@ 0975-0967 %A Kaushal, M %A Kaushal, R %D 2015 %F icrisat:9122 %I NISCAIR %J Indian Journal of Biotechnology %K Acetylene reduction assay (ARA), Bacillus spp., Biocontrol, Cauliflower, INM, PGPR, 16S rRNA %N 2 %P 221-227 %T Acetylene reductase activity and molecular characterization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to know efficacy in integrated nutrient management system %U http://oar.icrisat.org/9122/ %V 14 %X Isolates from rhizosphere were screened and characterized for their plant growth promotion and biocontrol properties as per standard methods. Five isolates (MK2, MK4, MK5, MK7 & MK9) showed the maximum plant growth promoting attributes like P-solubilization, N-fixation etc. Acetylene reduction assay (ARA) method was used to study N2 fixing ability. The bacterial isolate MK5 fixed the maximum nitrogen, i.e., 437.26 ηmole C2H4 h-1 mg-1 protein (109 mg of N2 fixed/ha/d). The isolates MK5 and MK7 showed the maximum homology with Bacillus pumilus and B. subtilis, respectively by 16S rRNA analysis. The bacterial isolate MK5 in conjunction with 75% level of recommended dose of N and P fertilizers gave increase yield of cauliflower crop by 27.29% over recommended doses of NPK with a saving of 25% N and 25% P fertilizers.