The objectives of this research was isolation and characterization of PSB from elephant dung sample
and evaluate their potential for P solubilization from insoluble P compounds for the effective plant growth
promotion. In the present study, four different types of PSB were isolated and screened for their P solublization.
It was observed that out of four isolates screened, the isolate PSB4 was the most potential isolate and it was
used for further experimental analysis. The selected isolate was mass cultured and inoculated in maize and chilli
plants to test their efficiency on the growth and biomass production. The strain was identified to be members
of Pseudomonas sp, by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and biochemical tests. At the end of incubation time, it
appeared that, phosphate solubilization resulted from a combined effect of pH decrease of the media and
organic acids production. The available phosphorus is not only by the action of PSB but also by the production
of biologically active substance like IAA. After 30 days of inoculation, growth and development was monitored
through pot experiment. The total soluble sugars in the leaves of all maize and chilli plant showed an increase
in PSB inoculated seedlings than un-inoculated seedlings. The starch content was maximum in seedling treated
with PSB when compared to control crops. The result of PSB inoculation in the protein content showed a
greater increase in PSB plants than in control seedlings. In vitro characterization of the strain PSB4 was studied
by the siderophore production and antifungal activity. All the morphological and biochemical measurement
showed a great response in PSB treated plants thus confirming the efficiency of the selected isolate PSB4 as
a phosphate solubilizer