Synergistic Effects of AMF and Bacilluslehensis Strain MLB2 on Ocimum sanctum Grown under Fluoride Stress

The aim of the present study was to notice the synergistic effect of both, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Bacillus lehensis, on the growth of Ocimum sanctum var. CIM-AYU grown under 40 ppm of Sodium fluoride stress. Glomus mossae and Bacillus lehensis strain MLB2 increased plant weight by 41 % and 9 % respectively. Consortium of Glomus mossae and Bacillus lehensis strain MLB2 resulted in 44 % increase in Fresh herbage yield of Ocimum sanctum as compared to control. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria when grown in association with various mycorrhizal fungi showed a remarkable increase in plant height, leaf fresh weight, and total fresh biomass. Best consortium result was shown by G. mossae followed by G. fasciculatum G. aggregatum and G. intraradices. Inoculation of tulsi seedlings with mycorrhizal fungi and Bacillus lehensis increased the fluoride tolerance level of the herb.