Acetylene reductase activity and molecular characterization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to know efficacy in integrated nutrient management systemMKaushalauthorRKaushalauthorIsolates 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.Food and NutritionAgriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics2015NISCAIRArticle