Bacillus thuringiensis CNPMS B116, a Brazilian strain from Cerrado, as a bioinoculant for improving maize yield and...

The genus Bacillus includes several species recognized for their agricultural benefits, such as biological control, induction of plant defenses, and promotion of plant growth. This study aims to evaluate the agronomic potential of the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis strain CNPMS B116 in maize cultivation. Field trials were conducted over four crop seasons in Sete Lagoas and Santo Antônio de Goiás, with treatments including B. thuringiensis B116, B. megaterium B119, B. subtilis B2084, or no inoculation, combined with triple superphosphate (TSP) or rock phosphate plus TSP (RP + TSP). The evaluated outcome included nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), grain yield, and phosphate use efficiency. The compatibility assay of B116 with elite strains (Azospirillum and Bradyrhizobium) was tested using the cross-streak method in vitro. In field trials, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium accumulation in maize grains increased, along with productivity across all fertilization treatments. At Sete Lagoas, maize yield increased by 30% with TSP and 16% with RP + TSP; at Santo Antônio de Goiás, by 10% and 7%, respectively. B116 also improved P use efficiency and nutrient content in maize grains, performing comparably or better than B119, B2084, or TSP alone. B116 exhibited compatibility with commercial strains and promoted phosphate solubilization when associated with plant seedlings. These findings confirm B. thuringiensis B116 as an effective inoculant for enhancing P availability, nutrient uptake, and maize yield, supporting its potential for sustainable agriculture.