Assessment of regeneration and application of PGPRs on the growth of Pinus roxburghii in Ghoragali Forest Sub-Division, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the regeneration and application of PGPR’s on the Growth of Pinus roxburghii in Ghoragali Forest Sub-division, Pakistan. Assessment of regeneration was done in five respective compartments of Ghoragali (52, 53, 57, 58 and 59) using fixed area plot method with 1 percent sampling intensity to assess the regeneration and each sample plot was 1/10^th of hec which is equal to 17.84m radius. All those seedlings which were 1-5ft in height were taken as un-established regeneration and from 6 to 10ft were taken as established regeneration. Assessment results were statistically analyzed by regression and correlation. Maximum un-established regeneration per hectare was in compartment 58 which was 23250 (11.4%) and minimum in compartment 59 which was 12500 (6.2%). The seedlings of Pinus roxburghii were brought from compartment 59 for the application of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) and growth was observed with different treatments. Rhizospheric soil bacteria of Albezzia lebbek (Black Siris) as it is fast growing species were inoculated on Pinus roxburghii by using serial dilution technique. Luria Bertani (L.B) media was used for as growth media. Five treatments T1 (controlled), T2 (water stressed), T3 (1µL PGPR), T4 (2µL PGPR), T5 (3µL PGPR) was observed in two groups. One group was watered twice a week and other was remaining water stressed throughout the period of observation. Growth was observed by Post Hoc (Tukey’s test) statistically. The result was significant and positive growth was observed between the seedlings of Chir pine. So, PGPR can be used to enhance the plant growth.