Zinc (Zn) is an essential element necessary for plant, humans and microorganisms required in little quantities to compose a complete array of physiological functions. Rhizospheric microbes are known to influence plant growth by various direct and indirect mechanisms and have some additional properties such as multiple metal solubilization. In the current investigation, we have isolated zinc solubilizing microbes and optimized their growth condition for further application in agriculture industry. Seven isolates amongst which four fungi and three fungi were studied for their Plant growth promoting ability, Zinc solubilization and optimization of growth. Isolate MSSZB4 and MSS-ZF3 were showing significant Plant promoting abilities and shows best optimization with 0.1% ZnO concentration, dextrose as carbon source, Ammonium Sulphate as nitrogen source and the optimum pH and Temperature was found between 6 to 6.5 and 28 to 30˚C respectively. The present study demonstrates the optimum growth conditions for zinc solubilizing microbes, which can further be used for their potential applications, such as biofortification and bioremediations.
Keywords: Zinc; Solubilization; Plant growth promoting properties; Optimization

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can affect plant growth by different direct and indirect mechanisms [1]. PGPR influence direct growth promotion of plants by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing insoluble phosphates, secreting hormones such as IAA, GAs, and Kinetics besides ACC deaminase production, which helps in regulation of ethylene. Induced systemic resistance (ISR), antibiosis, competition for nutrients, parasitism, production of metabolites (hydrogen cyanide, siderophores) suppressive to deleterious rhizobacteria are some of the mechanism that indirectly benefit plant growth. Zinc (Zn) is an essential element necessary for plant, humans and microorganisms [2,3]. Human and other living things require Zn throughout requires in little quantities to compose a complete array of physiological functions. Zinc is a vital mineral of “exceptional biological and public health importance” [4]. Furthermore 100 specific enzymes are found in which zinc serves as structural ions in transcription factors and is stored and transferred in metallothioneinsand typically the 2^nd most abundant transition metal in organisms, after iron and it is the only metal which appears in all enzyme classes [3].
Zinc is important micronutrient for plant which plays numerous functions in life cycle of plants [5]. Crop growth, vigor, maturity and yield are very much reliant upon essential micronutrient (Zn). To address the problem of Zn deficiency, micronutrient biofortification of grain crop is increased interest in developing countries [6]. Several approaches have been projected and practiced for fortification of cereals [7]. Enhancing Zn concentration of cereal grain has been recognized as an approach of tackling human Zn deficiency [8]. Plant scientists are formulating different methodologies to tackle the Zn deficiencies in crop through fertilizes applications and/ or by means of plant breeding strategies to augment the adsorption and or bioavailability of Zn in grain crops [6]. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is multifunction microbes functioning in sustainable agriculture. PGPR are a diverse group of bacteria that can be found in the rhizosphere on root surfaces as well as in association with roots [9]. These bacteria move around from the bulk soil to the living plant rhizosphere and antagonistically colonize the rhizosphere and roots of plant [10]. Soil bacteria which are important for plant growth are termed as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) [10]. In addition to phosphate mobilization they are responsible to play key role in carrying out the bioavailability of soil phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and silicate to plant roots [11]. Viable application of PGPR are been tested and are repeatedly promising; however, good understanding of microbial interactions will significantly raise the success rate of field application [12].

Three soil samples were collected from rhizosphere region of Agriculturall and were collected from the different region of Gujarat. Physical characteristics, various chemical tests likes alinity, pH, total carbon, phosphates, total dissolved solids, edoxpotential (mV), conductivity, chlorides, Sulphate, potassium nitrates as well as micro metals present in the soil like Few were also characterize for soil samples.

Phosphate Solubilization was studied using tricalcium phosphateas in soluble phosphate. The strains were spotinoculated on Pikovskaya’s agar medium. The plates were incubated with 30 ˚C for 48 to 72 h for bacteria and 3 to 6 days for fungi. The clear halo around the colony indicates the zone of phosphate Solubilization due to the production of organic acids as possible mechanism of the phosphate solubilization. Quantitative phosphate Solubilization was carried out in liquid Pikovskaya’s medium in 250 ml flasks for14d. The concentration of the soluble phosphate in the supernatant was estimated every 7dayby Stannous Chloride (SnCl2.2HO) method [13]. A simultaneous change in the pH was also recorded in the supernatant on Systronics digital pH meter (pH system 361).

Siderophore production was checked by using Chrome azurols (CAS) agar medium by the method described by Schwyn and Neilands, [14]. Actively growing cultures were spot inoculated on the CAS blue agar plate. These plates were then incubated at 37 ˚C for 48 to 72 h for Bacteria and at 28 °C for 3-6 days for fungi. Formation of yellow-orange halo around the colony indicated production and release of the siderophores on the agar plate.

Auxin production was studied in trypton yeast medium. Bacteria were grown in 50 ml yeast extract broth supplemented with 50 mgL-1 of L-Tryptophan and incubated in dark on orbital shaker at 200 rpm for 72 h. Hormone production was checked in supernatant using Salkowsky’s reagent method [15]. The amount of IAA produced was calculated from the standard graph of pure indole acetic acid. Study was carried out every 24 h for up to 120 h and the pattern of IAA production was recorded.

Each strain was tested for the production of ammonia in peptone water. Cultures (100 μl inoculum with approximately 3 x 108 c.f.u. ml -1) were inoculated in 10 ml peptone water and these plates were then incubated at 37°C for 48 to 72 h for Bacteria and at 28°C for 3-6 days for fungi. After Incubation Nessler’s reagent (1 ml) was added to each tube. Development of brown to yellow colour was recorded as a positive test for ammonia production [16]. Production of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) was checked on nutrient agar slants streaked with the test isolates. Filter paper strips dipped in picric acid and 2 % sodium carbonate were inserted in the tubes. HCN production was checked based on changes in colour from yellow to light brown, moderate brown or strong brown of the yellow filter paper strips [17].

Normally EPS production is studied in basal medium of all different organisms. Ascarbohydrate source 5% of sucrose is to be added as polysaccharide in to the medium [18]. 10 ml of culture suspension was collected after 5-6 days and centrifuge at 30,000 rpm for 45 minutes add thrice the volume of chilled acetone. EPS will be separated from the mixture in the form of a slimy precipitates.

The BTG medium was mixed with thorough stirring to obtain a homogeneous suspension. Experiments in liquid culture were performed in a defined Mineral Salt Medium (MSM), with glucose (10 g) as the sole carbon source and, when required, 0.1% insoluble zincoxide [19]. The dilution medium for viable counts was sterile NaCl solution, 8 g /liter. All glass ware used was soaked for 1 h in 1 M HCl and rinsed three times in distilled deionized water prior to use. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacteria and fungi. It was inoculated to medium and allowed to grow. (For Bacteria at 37 ˚ C and for fungi at 28 ˚ C) for 14 days respectively [20]. The Zone of Solublization was Observed and measured in millimeter (mm).

Zinc solubilization was checked using zinc oxide as insoluble zinc source. Spot inoculation of the isolates was done in the centre of the Pikovskaya’s agar medium. These plates were then incubated at 37 ˚ C for 48 to 72 h for Bacteria and at 28oC for 3-6 days for fungi. Phosphate solubilization was checked in the form of a clear halo formed around the colony representing the production of organic acids as a possible mechanism of the zinc solubilization. Quantitative zinc solubilization was carried out in liquid Pikovskaya’s medium in 250 ml flasks for 14 d [21].

Zinc solubilizing ability of bacterial strains was tested in four different types of agar media. Composition of different media is given in table. Among them PVK (Pikovskaya’smedium) media with 0.1% Zinc Oxide was selected based on proper zone formation, opacity of medium and growth of isolates [21].

Effect of various Zinc sources like Zinc Carbonate, ZincSulphate and Zinc Oxide, were studied in PVK Broth. The isolates were checked for solubilization activity in PVK broth amended with different Zinc source. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacteria and fungi. It was inoculated to medium and allowed to grow. (for Bacteria at 37°C and for fungi at 28 ˚ C) for 14 days respectively [20]. The Zone of Solubilization was observed and measured in millimetre (mm). Zinc oxide was selected as the optimum zinc source for the further optimization, based on proper zone formation and opacity of the medium.

Effect of different concentration of Zinc Oxide was added in the PVK agar medium which was 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. Nitrogen sources like (NH₄)2SO₄, Urea, Casein, and NaNO3 were studied in PVK Broth. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacteria and fungi. It was inoculated to medium and allowed to grow. (for Bacteria at 37 ˚ C and for fungi at 28 ˚ C) for 14 days respectively [20]. The zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Effect of various carbon sources like glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, glycerol and xylose, were studied in PVK agar plate. The isolates were checked for solubilization activity in PVK agar medium amended with 0.1% Zinc Oxide. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacteria and fungi. It was inoculated to medium and allowed to grow. (For Bacteria at 37 ˚ C and for fungi at 28 ˚ C) for 14 days respectively [20]. The Zone of Solubilization was Observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Effect of various Nitrogen sources like (NH₄)2SO₄, Urea, Casein, and NaNO3 were studied in PVK Broth. The isolates were checked for solubilization activity in PVK broth amended with 0.1% Zinc Oxide. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacteria and fungi. It was inoculated to medium and allowed to grow. (For Bacteria at 37 ˚ C and for fungi at 28 ˚ C) for 14 days respectively [20]. The zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Media composition to which the bacteria responded best was used as substrate. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacterial grown on Basal medium of isolates and allowed to grow and maintained at 8 ˚ C, 15 ˚ C, 28 ˚ C, Room Temperature, 37 ˚ C, and 55 ˚ C for 14 days respectively [20]. The zone of solubilization was observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Optimal media and temperature was used, but the pH of the media was set at pH 4, pH 6,pH 6.5, pH 7, pH 9 using NaOH or HCl and grown for 14 days respectively [20].The Zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Optimal media and Conditions were used, but the saline concentration was added as NaCl (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1%) and KCl (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08% and 0.1%) in the media was set and grown for 14 days respectively [20]. The zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimetre (mm).

Physical characteristics of all the different soil samples shows that soil from rhizosphere was brown in colour and its texture was granular to loamy. The chemical characterization of soil samples is shown in (Table 1). The observed variation in the pH could be due to heterogenous composition of soil at all the three sites. Similar results were also reported by Amanul where variations were observed in soil samples of different agricultural soils [22]. Higher Organic and nitrogen content.

Total 20 isolates from three soil samples were screened for phosphate, zinc solubilization and giving maximum growth (fast grower). Among them Seven isolates were selected (four bacteria and three fungi) for further studies. They were purified on their respective medium.

Phosphate solubilization results show that all the seven isolates were significant Phosphate solubilizers and showing zone of phosphate solubilization on solid Pikovskyaya’s medium after 3 days of incubation at 30 ± 2 ˚ C. Maximum zone was observed in isolate MSS-ZF3 (49 mm). Significant zones were also seen in MSS-ZF2 (45mm), MSS-ZB4(43 mm), MSS-ZF1 (40 mm), MSS-ZB2(35 mm) MSS-ZB1 (33 mm)and MSS-ZB3(30 mm) after eight days of incubation (Figure 1).
Maximum TCP (Tricalcium phosphate) solubilization in liquid medium was observed in MSS-ZF3 (29 μg/ml) followed by MSS-ZF2 ((24 μg/ ml), MSS-ZB4 (37 μg/ ml), MSS-ZF1 (18 μg/

ml) and MSS-ZB2 (16 μg/ ml), MSS-ZB1 (12 μg/ ml) and MSSZB3 (10 μg/ ml) in 3.2). The result observed was that the isolates showed maximum zone of solubilization on solid medium, are also showing similar phosphate solubilization in liquid medium. The pH of the broth having fungal isolates has been decreased from 7.0 to 4.0. The observed result shows that in bacterial culture there was no decrease in pH, but in all the fungal isolates it shows the decrease in broth pH. The results showing no correlation between Phosphate solubilization and pH reduction are also published by many researchers (Tank and Saraf 2003). This drop-in pH may also be an attribute of glucose utilization by the isolates (Arora et al. 2008). Plant growth is frequently limited by an insufficiency of phosphates, an important nutrient in plants next to nitrogen. Although all isolates showed similar decline in pH, 3.3 - 4.5, amount of phosphate solubilization was different in different PGPR’s isolated. This indicates that there is no relation between degree of phosphate solubilized and change in pH [13].

The universal assay described by Schwyn and Neilands was used for the detection of siderophore by different microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) in solid medium. Siderophore on solid CAS blue agar plate shows a clear zone of decolourization representing iron chelation by the isolate in the medium. Highest zone of dye decolourization was observed in MSS-ZF3 (20 mm), MSS-F2 (18 mm), MSS-ZF1 (16 mm), MSS-ZB1(14 mm) and MSS-ZB3(10 mm) after 120 h of Incubation. And no zone was observed in MSSZB2. Siderophore was detected by the formation of orange halos surrounding bacterial colonies on CAS agar plates after 48 hour at 28 ˚ C [23].

All the seven selected isolates showed significant production of IAA. Highest IAA production was reported in MSS-ZF1 (44 μg/ ml), MSS-ZF2 (40 μg/ml), MSS-ZB1 (24 μg/ml), MSS-ZB2 (19 μg/ ml), MSS-ZF3 (18 μg/ml) and MSS-ZB4 (14 μg/ml). All the isolates showed a continuous increase in the IAA production within the incubation period of 6 days.
Different isolates showed different optimum incubation time for highest IAA production. It is estimated that about 80 % of soil bacteria possess IAA producing potential [24].Though reports reveal that IAA production reaches maximum after 120 h (5 d) of incubation many of our isolates did not follow this pattern and showed maximum IAA production even after 240 h (10 d) [25]. However, reports of other researchers showed that IAA production was not detected after 5 d. Though it is reported that there is continuous decrease in IAA production after reaching the peak production, this pattern was also followed by our isolates. IAA production curves of the isolates showed continuous increase and decrease up to 12 d. These types of curves are in agreement with the IAA production curves reported by Torres- Rubioet al [26,27]. The reason for such fluctuations could be the utilization of IAA by the cells as nutrient during late stationary phase or production of IAA degrading enzymes by the cells which are inducible enzymes in presence of IAA [26].

Ammonia production was studied up to 42- 72 h of incubation as per method given. Maximum concentration of ammonia production was observed in isolates MSS-ZB4 (32 μg/ml) followed by MSS-ZB3 (29μg/ml), MSS-ZB1 (27 μg/ml), MSS-ZF3 (24μg/ml), MSS-ZF2 (22μg/ml), MSS-ZSF1(21 μg/ml) and MSSZB2 (19 μg/ml).
its of PGPR’s which benefits the crop [25]. This accumulation of ammonia in soil may increase in pH creating alkaline condition of soil at pH 9-9.5. It suppresses the growth of certain fungi and nitrobacteria due to it potent inhibition effect. Christiansen et al. have reported that level of oxygen in aerobic conditions was same as the level of ammonia excretion under oxygen limiting conditions. However, Joseph et al. reported ammonia production in 95% of isolates of Bacillus followed by Pseudomonas (94.2%), Rhizobium (74.2%) and Azotobacter (45%) [3,4,7,29-32].
HCN production was checked in all isolates the results are showed in table 6. Presence or absence and intensity of HCN production can play a significant role in antagonistic potential of bacteria against phytopathogens. Similar results were also reported by Cattelan et al. who reported that production of cyanide was an important trait in a PGPT in controlling fungal diseases in wheat seedlings under in-vitro conditions. Chandra et al. reported production of HCN by the PGPR which was inhibitory to the growth of S. sclerotium. Kumar et al. also reported in vitro antagonism by HCN producing PGPR against sclerotia germination of M. phaseolina. Production of HCN along with siderophore production has been reported as the major cause of biocontrol activity for protection of Black pepper and ginger [30,33-35].

From all the Seven culture, the three bacterial isolates shows EPS Production, maximum amount of EPS production was observed in isolate MSS-ZB1(44.5 mg/ ml) followed by MSSZB3 (30.5 mg/ ml) and MSS-ZB4(20.0 mg/ ml) after five days of incubation.
Maximum of EPS production occurs during early stationary phase than in the late stationary of culture [18]. The highest EPS production was recorded in P. aeruginosa (226 μg/ ml) grown in nitrogen free medium followed by S. mutansand B. subtilis (220 and 206 μg/ ml respectively) in nitrogen free medium after 7 days of incubation at 37°C reported that production of EPS by Burkholderia gladioli IN-26 a strain of PGPR reduced bacterial speck on tomato. Similarly, Alami et al. reported that EPS produced by root associated saprophytic bacterium (rhizobacterium) PantoeaagglomeransYAS34 was associated with plant growth promotion of sunflower reported that Paenibacillus polymyxa produces a large amount of polysaccharide possessing high activity against crown rot disease caused by Aspergillus niger in plants[29,33,36].

Three media were selected to study the solubilization zinc oxide (BTG, Minimal salt medium and Pikovskaya medium) from these media Pikovs kaya medium was selected for further studies. Zinc phosphate-supplemented medium, where bacterial cells belonging to this strain are small Gram-negative rods, are able to grow in a simple mineral-glucose medium, with colonies being UV fluorescent. However, Appanna and Whitmore found that the production of protein-rich, zinc-binding moieties by P. fluorescens ATCC 15325 accounted for a mechanism of zinc tolerance in this strain. Although a similar mechanism may also occur in our strain during the phase of increase in free Zn, alternatively, the protein overproduction may be a factor involved in the solubilization process and/or observed Zn toxicit [1,19].The absence of detectable chelated zinc suggested that the solubilization process is an indirect consequence of an increase in hydrogen ion activity in the solution [19]. The observed acidification of the medium, both in the zinc supplemented and in the control cultures, initially occurred without correlation with the release of organic acids. A cause of such an increase in the proton concentration may be the depletion of ammonia, required for protein synthesis. Only when zinc phosphate was present was there a secondary production of gluconic acid (and/or keto-derivatives) which caused a further decrease in pH, accounting for the observed high levels of Zn [19].

Zinc solubilization was studied in Pikovskaya’s agar and liquid medium, a zone of inhibitions was obtained. Maximum zinc solubilization zone was observed in isolate MSS-ZF3 and MSS-ZF1 (90 mm), followed by MSS-ZF2 (80 mm), MSS-ZB1 (56 mm) MSS-ZB2 (47mm) MSS-ZB4 (45 mm) and MSS-ZB3 (44 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 o C fungi (Figure1, 2).

The ability to dissolve appreciable amounts of zinc phosphate is not a common feature amongst the culturable bacteria of the surface soil samples. In contrast, many fungal isolates were able to produce visible clear haloes on the zinc phosphate-amended solid medium, but in only one case was the solubilization a result of bacterial activity. However, it is difficult, and not within the scope to extrapolate what the significance of this process is in the soil as it is widely recognized that only a small number of the members of bacterial soil communities are culturable with traditional isolation methods.

Zinc solubilizing ability of bacterial strains was tested in four different types of agar media. The media selected were PVK, AYG, NBRIY and NBRiP, the maximum zone of solubilization was observed in PVK Medium, Followed by NBRIY, NBRiP, and AYG (Figure 3). From these observations as PVK medium was giving the optimum results among all four media, so PVK medium was selected for the further studies [21].

Various Zinc sources like Zinc Carbonate, Zinc Sulphate and Zinc Oxide, were studied in PVK Broth. The maximum zinc solubilization zone was observed in isolate MSSZF1 (90 mm), followed by MSS-ZF3 (89 mm), MSS-ZF2 (79 mm), MSS-ZB1 (57 mm) MSS-ZB2 (45 mm) MSS-ZB3 (45 mm) and MSSZB4 (44 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi.
Zinc solubilizing potential varied with each isolate, the ZSB-O-1 (Bacillus sp.) obtained from the zinc ore exhibited the highest potential in Sphalerite (ZnS) containing medium, producing a clearing zone of 2.80 cm. Its performance in zinc

carbonate and zinc oxide was 1.50 cm of clearing zone with zinc oxide, respectively. The ZSB-S-2 (Pseudomonas sp.) produced maximum clearing zone of 3.30 cm with zinc oxide and performed poorly in zinc carbonate, with a clearing zone of 2.00 cm. The ZSB-S-4 (Pseudomonas sp.) showed the highest potential in zinc carbonate, with a clearing zone of 4.00 cm [36].

Different concentration of Zinc Oxide was added in the PVK agar medium, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. The maximum zinc solubilization zone was observed at concentration 0.1% of ZnO, MSS-ZF1 (90 mm), followed by MSSZF3 (89 mm), MSS-ZF2 (79 mm), MSS-ZB1 (57mm) MSS-ZB2 (45 mm) MSS-ZB3 (45 mm) and MSS-ZB4 (44 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi.
0.2% of concentration shows, the maximum zinc solubilization zone was observed at concentration 0.1% of ZnO, MSS-ZF3 (55 mm), MSS-ZF2 (52 mm), MSS-ZF1 (39 mm), MSS-ZB4 (39 mm) MSS-ZB1 (37 mm) MSS-ZB2 (34 mm) and MSS-ZB3 (34 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi. No zone of solubilization was observed in concentration 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%. from the result, it is observed that the concentration above 0.2% ZnO seems to be inhibitory for the isolates so no zone of inhibition was observed (Figure 4).
The results have been obtained by Saravanam et al. that Even at 25 mg/kg concentration, there was reduction in population within 24 hours and afterwards population remained stable up to 8 days. At zinc concentration above 100mg/ kg, a further reduction in population was observed, which was more pronounced at 200 mg/ kg. The results showed the inherent capacity of the isolates to tolerate various levels of zinc. At 500 mg/kg level, ZSB-S-2 was completely inhibited at the 8th day, while ZSB-O-1 recorded 2 x 104 cells ml-1 at the 8th day after inoculation compared to 180 x 106 cells ml-1 observed just after inoculation [36].

Various carbon sources like dextrose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, glycerol and xylose, were studied in PVK agar plate. The maximum zinc solubilization zone was observed in dextrose, followed by glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose and glycerol.In 1% Dextrose, Maximum zone of solubilization was observed in isolate MSS-ZF2 (57mm), followed by MSS-ZF1 (56mm), MSSZF3 (54 mm), MSS-ZB1(54 mm), MSS-ZB4 (49 mm), MSS-ZB3 (49 mm) and MSS-ZB2 (46 mm), after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi (Figure 5). In 1% Glucose, Maximum zone of zinc solubilization was observed in isolates MSS-ZF3 (54mm), followed by MSS-ZF1 (49 mm), MSS-ZF2 (47 mm), MSS-ZB4 (42 mm) MSS-ZB3 (36 mm) MSS-ZB1 (34 mm) and MSS-ZB2 (34 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi (Figure 5).
In 1% Sucrose zone of zinc solubilization was observed only in two isolates MSS-ZB2 (21 mm) and MSS-ZB2 (20 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28oC fungi (Figure 5). In 1% Lactose, Maximum zone of zinc solubilization was observed in isolate MSS-ZF1 (65 mm), MSS-ZF2 (45 mm), MSSZB4 (21 mm), MSS-ZB1 (19 mm) MSS-ZF3 (18 mm) MSS-ZB2 (18 mm) and MSS-ZB4 (12 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi (Figure 5).
In 1% Glycerol, Maximum zone of zinc solubilization was observed in isolate MSS-ZF1 (38 mm), MSS-ZF3 (29 mm), MSSZB4 (21 mm), MSS-ZB1 (19 mm), MSS-ZF2 (17 mm) and no zone of zinc solubilization was observed in MSS-ZB2 and MSS-ZB3, after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚ C for Bacteria and at 28 ˚ C fungi (Figure 5).
In 1% Xylose, Maximum zone of solubilization was observed in isolate MSS-ZF3 (55 mm), MSS-ZF2(20 mm), MSS-ZB1 (10 mm), MSS-ZB3 (9 mm) after incubation of 14 days at 37 ˚C for Bacteria and at 28oC fungi, and no zone of zinc solubilization was observed in other isolates (Figure 5) [37]. The effect of different carbon sources on zinc phosphate dissolution by Pseudomonas fluorescens showed that the Glucose was found to be the only suitable carbon source for the occurrence of a clear halo around colonies on solid zinc phosphate-containing medium some solubilization was also observed with mannose [19].

Various Nitrogen sources like (NH₄)2SO₄, Urea, Casein, and NaNO3 were studied in PVK Broth. Amongst all the nitrogen source zone of zinc solubilization was observed in (NH₄)₂SO₄and no zone of solubilization was observed in other nitrogen source [37].

Media composition to which the bacteria responded best was used as substrate. Inoculation was carried out by using pure colony of a bacterial grown on Basal medium of isolates and allowed to grow and maintained at 8°C, 15°C, 28°C, Room Temperature, 37°C, and 55°C for 14 days respectively [20]. The Zone of Solublization was Observed and measured in millimeter (Figure 6).

Optimal media and temperature was used, but the pH of the media was set at pH 4, pH 6, pH 6.5, pH 7, pH 9 using NaOH or HCl and grown for 14 days respectively [19]. The zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimeter (Figure 7).

Optimal media and Conditions were used, but the saline concentration was added as NaCl(0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1%) and KCl (0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08% and 0.1%) in the media was set and grown for 14 days respectively (Figure 6,7) [20]. The Zone of solubilization was Observed and measured in millimeter (Figure 8,9).
Based on the optimization of media and growth condition results it was found that both bacterial and fungal cultures were able to grow and solubilize zinc optimum on carbon source 1% dextrose, nitrogen source Ammonium Sulphate and with ZnO (0.1% ZnO). The temperature of incubation was different; 37 ˚ C was found optimum for bacteria and 30 ± 2 for fungi. From the pH study, it was observed that 7 pH was optimum for bacteria and 6.5 was optimum for fungi. Further Zinc estimation was performed

in the optimized media and growth condition in Pikovskaya’s liquid broth amended with 0.1% ZnO.
The observations recorded during the growth of liquid cultures of P. fluorescens 3a by Di Simine et al are reported. Although the solid and liquid media contained different nitrogen sources, the microorganism was able to dissolve zinc phosphate in liquid medium, consistent with the observations on solid medium. Analysis of the supernatants, performed by AAS and voltammetry, showed an increase in the concentration of soluble Zn up to values of about 7 mM [19]. Such an increase occurred without a meaningful difference between the free Zn and the total zinc concentrations, suggesting the absence of complexation phenomena involving the Zn in solution [19].
Di Simine et al also reported that during the time course of the experiment, bacterial proliferation occurred concurrently with a drop in the pH of both the control and the zinc phosphatesupplemented cultures, growth of the cultures was complete within 24 h, the pH at this time reaching a value of about 4.5 [19]. The pH subsequently remained constant in the control culture, whereas a further slow decrease to values closer to pH 4 was observed in the zinc phosphate-supplemented culture [18]. Same decrease in the pH was also observed in cultures which showed a shift in pH after growth in the broth. After 15 days, the pH of the broth was acidic in all cultures. The pH shifted from 7-7.3 to 4.8-6.5. The ZSB-S-4 culture showed the lowest pH value (4.8) on 15th day after inoculation, indicating a higher acidity due to growth [37].

In the present investigation, the application of PGPR had been studied for the Zinc solubilizing ability. The ability to dissolve appreciable amounts of zinc oxide was not a common feature amongst the cultivable bacteria of the surface soil samples examined in the present investigation. In contrast, three fungal isolates and four bacterial isolates were able to produce visible clear haloes on the zinc oxide amended solid medium. Amongst all the seven isolates (MSS-ZB1, MSS-ZB2, MSS-ZB3, MSS-ZB4, MSS-ZF1, MSS-ZF2 and MSS-ZF3) MSS-ZB4 and MSS-ZF3 were showing best suitable PGPR characteristics for the plant growth promotion. Considering the plant growth promoting abilities and zinc solubilizing abilities of strains, biofertilizer preparation is possible. Thus, our strains MSS-ZB4 and MSS-ZF3 can be further use as Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for improvement of micronutrient deficiency will be promising due to its ecological, economic and ecofriendly nature.

We are thankful to UGC-Maulana Azad National Fellowship for their financial assistance.

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