plant growth promoting potential of phormidium sp. isc108 on seed germination, growth indices and photosynthetic efficiency of maize (zea mays l.)

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic, photosyntheticprokaryotes with unique potential toenhance plant growth, development, andproductivity. the effects of phormidium sp.isc108 was evaluate on seed germination,seedling growth criteria and photosyntheticefficiency of maize. phormidium sp. isc108was applied to soil via irrigation whereascontrol group was irrigated via sterilizedwater. a significant promotion in seed germinationwas observed in phormidium sp.isc108 treated maize seeds. similarly, seedlinggrowth indices of treated plants includingbiomass production, plant heights andleaf area significantly enhanced. chlorophyllcontent as well as chlorophyll a fluorescencekinetics was also positively influenced byphormidium sp. isc108 application. quantumyield of photosynthesis, primary photochemicalreactions, rate of exiton transferto electron transport chain, yield of electrontransport and performance index of photosyntheticapparatus significantly increased inresponse to phormidium sp. isc108 applicationin soil. however, values of thermal dissipationof absorbed light showed a significantreduction as a result of phormidium sp.isc108 treatment. considering remarkablegrowth promoting properties, phormidiumsp. isc108 may offer a feasible economicaland environmental-friendly candidate asbio-fertilizer in sustainable maize production.