Seed biopriming using saline soil rhizobacteria from the coast of Kolaka Regency for enhancing seed viability and vigor of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)

The research was conducted to identify indigenous rhizobacteria that can be useful as growth promoters and adapted to saline soils. The isolate was isolated from saline soil rhizosphere on the coast in Kolaka district. The research was conducted in the Lab of Agronomy, on Agricultural Faculty in Halu Oleo University. The research carry out from April to September 2022. The study arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) using of 15 test isolates. The test was carried out using a seed biopriming technique, then the seeds were germinated using a standard germination procedure. The results showed that all tested rhizobacterial isolates increase the viability and vigor of tomato seeds. There was an increase in maximum growth potential, seed germination, vigor index, and relative growth rate of seeds in the range of 85% to 89% when compared to control. There were 3 isolates of rhizobacteria which were more capable of reducing T50 and increasing seed germination of tomato seeds, namely KL6, KL10 and KL14 isolates. Further research is still needed to test the effectiveness of this isolate to increase tomato growth and yield under conditions of salinity stress in the field.