There is evidence that pastures formed by some species of the genus Brachiaria could be benefited by the biological nitrogen fixation process (BNF), which would give these pastures a higher longevity. Among the diazotrophic bacteria found in association with these forage grasses, the species Azospirillum amazonense is most outstanding. This study aimed to verify the influence of the Brachiaria species, pasture management, and seasonal variations on the A. amazonense populations associated to the plant roots. Different pastures (B. humidicola, B. decumbens, and B. brizantha) were implanted in Cerrado and Atlantic Forest ecosystem areas. Two management systems with different stocking rates were evaluated and samples collected at different times of the year. The A. amazonense populations were quantified, and the isolates' identity as well as the capacity to produce phyto-hormones like IAA in growth media tested. A. amazonense isolates were obtained from root samples of the three evaluated Brachiaria species. The estimates of bacterial populations varied from 10³-10(7) cells. g-1 of roots. In the Cerrado, the sampling time had a significant influence on the population of these bacteria. Data from the Atlantic forest showed that Brachiaria plants from different species and pastures under different stocking rates can present distinct population numbers of A. amazonense associated to their roots. The "analise de restrição do DNA ribossome amplificado" amplifed ribossomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) technique confirmed the identity of all tested isolates. These isolates were able to produce phyto-hormones like IAA.
biological nitrogen fixation; pasture degradation; diazotrophic bacteria; indol acetic acid
