Effect of Endophytic Bacterium Inoculation on Seed Germination and Sprout Growth of Tartary Buckwheat

This experiment was conducted to investigate the endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum spp effect on seed germination and sprout growth of tartary buckwheat. Inoculant concentration (%v/v) and seed soaking time were applied 10, 20 and 40% and 0, 4, 8, 12 hour, respectively. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber maintained temperature at 20, 25 and $30^{\circ}C$ without light for 7 days. Results showed that, 10 to 20% (v/v) inoculant concentration by 4 to 8 h seed soaking time at $20^{\circ}C$ temperature increased seed vigor rate and total seed germination rate 80-95% and 90-100%, respectively. On the other and, seed inoculation with Herbaspirillum spp. increased hypocotyl length (13-15 cm), root length (8-11 cm), total fresh weight (135-296 g) and total dry weight (7-10 g), compared to control. It is indicated that sprouts growth and yield depends on inoculation concentrations, seed soaking time and temperature. Therefore, it would be suggested that seed inoculation with Herbaspirillum spp. at concentration of 10 to 20% (v/v), soaking time 4 to 8 h and temperature $20^{\circ}C$ promote seed germinations and sprout growth rate of tartary buckwheat.