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Research Paper | Microbiology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 979 - 983 | India
Impact of Pendimethalin Herbicide on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Crop Growth
Abstract: Pendimethalin is extensively used as a pre-emergence herbicide for weed management in legume cultivation. Its excessive application could adversely affect beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms and crop productivity. The present study was conducted to evaluate effect of pendimethalin on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and growth performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Present study was focused on three important PGPR strains namely Rhizobium spp., Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. under different pendimethalin concentrations. A pot culture experiment was designed with four treatments viz., control (0 mL/L), below recommended dose (5.0 mL/L), recommended dose (10 mL/L) and above recommended dose (20 mL/L) of pendimethalin. Sterilized soil was inoculated with PGPR consortium and chickpea seeds were bioprimed before sowing. Various biochemical parameters viz., microbial population, phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore production and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) production were analyzed along with plant growth indicators such as germination, shoot and root length, nodulation and fresh biomass. The results disclosed concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of pendimethalin on both PGPR activity and chickpea growth. Pseudomonas spp. exhibited the highest PGP activity in control conditions whereas Rhizobium spp. exhibited maximum sensitivity to herbicide stress. Higher herbicide concentrations significantly reduced microbial viability, nodulation, IAA production, and plant biomass, leading to chlorosis and stunted growth in chickpea. The present study was limited to pot conditions and short-term observations. Future studies should focus on field-scale validation, molecular mechanisms of herbicide toxicity and development of herbicide-tolerant PGPR formulations for sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Pendimethalin, PGPR, Chickpea, Rhizobium spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. Herbicide Toxicity and Sustainable Agriculture
How to Cite?: Pratibha Singh Chandel, "Impact of Pendimethalin Herbicide on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Crop Growth", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 979-983, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26514154615, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26514154615