Inoculation of Burkholderia phytofirmans Strain PsJN Improves Growth of Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial grass capable of growth on marginal lands and is a potential bioenergy crop. Previous studies reveal the positive effect of inoculation of switchgrass cv. Alamo with the endophyte Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN on its growth and development. Jerzy Nowak and Chuansheng Mei from Virginia Tech in USA are studying the utilization of beneficial endophytes in enhancing switchgrass performance on marginal lands.

The team tested the effects of PsJN inoculation of switchgrass seedlings in field experiments conducted over 2 years on highly fertile and on low fertility soil. Inoculation improved the growth of switchgrass seedlings, stimulated plant root and shoot growth, and tiller number on the low fertility soil. It also enhanced biomass accumulation on both soils, but was more effective in low fertility soil. The study suggests the potential use of PsJN and other beneficial bacterial endophytes in the development of low-input switchgrass feedstock.