The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seed coating of maize with humic acid (HA), endophytic diazotrophic bacteria, and the combination of both, on plant growth stimulation and bacteria population establishment in roots of inoculated plant host. The addition of HA, bacteria, and the combined use of bacteria and HA stimulated plant growth. Humic acids used in the coated seed formulation show diminished capacity for stimulation of root growth compared with its use in solution. Seed coat is an option for inoculation of endophytic diazotrophic bacteria like Herbaspirillum seropedicae (Z67).
Herbaspirillum seropedicae; Zea mays; biostimulation; lime
