Microbial Population Structure in the Rhizosphere of Maize (Zea mays L), and Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] at Various Stages of Plant Development.

Abstract

This study investigated microbial population structure in the rhizosphere of maize and okra at different stages of plant development. The study was conducted at faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Seeds of maize and okra were purchased and planted, soil samples were collected and analyzed before planting and at different stages of plant development, bacterial and fungal count and isolation, and extraction of plant parasitic nematodes were done using standard methods. Data generated was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the mean difference was separated using least significant difference at 5%. Results showed highest occurrence as follows: Bacillus spp (54%) in the rhizosphere of maize and okra during seedling and maturity stages respectively, Staphylococcus spp (38%) in the rhizosphere of maize during flowering stage, Streptococcus spp (18%) in the rhizosphere of okra during flowering stage, Lactobacillus (12%) in the rhizosphere of maize during flowering stage; Rhizopus spp (63%) in the rhizosphere of okra during flowering stage, Aspergillus spp (41%) in the rhizosphere of maize during seedling stage, Yeast spp (15%) in the rhizosphere of maize during seedling stage, Fusarium spp (30%) in the rhizosphere of okra during maturity stage, and Mucor spp occurrence (7%) in the rhizosphere of maize during flowering stage; Meloidogyne spp (17%) in the rhizosphere of okra during flowering stage, Pratylenchus spp (41%) in the rhizosphere of maize during seedling stage, Helicotylenchus spp (67%) in the rhizosphere of maize during flowering stage, and Tylenchus spp (33%) in the rhizosphere of maize during maturity stage. The study concluded that there were variations in microbial communities in response to plant growth and development.