Pseudomonas spp.were isolated from different locations of Ponta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, India and were characterized on the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of Cd2+ for all Pseudomonas isolates were detected and P. aeruginosa SN4 exhibited highest cadmium tolerance upto 1800μg/ml. Most of the isolated strains showed multi-metal and multi antibiotic tolerance. In pot experimental studies, application of P. aeruginosa SN4 showed a remarkable increase in shoot length when sown in Cd incorporated soil (at 50 mg/kg). After 20 days of seedling inoculation in Cd incorporated soil and application of P. aeruginosa SN4, it has been observed that rice plant attains 12% increased seedling growth and germination as compared to uninoculated control pots. Overall study demonstrated that P. aeruginosa SN4 could increase the growth of Oryza sativa in cadmium incorporated soil, thus dedicating the sites which are set aside for long term agricultural purpose.
