The role of ACC deaminase producing bacteria in improving sweet corn (*Zea mays* L. var *saccharata*) productivity under limited availability of irrigation water

This study investigated the effectiveness of *Pseudomonas fluorescens* strains on sweet corn yield and physiological characteristics under varying irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of plant water requirement). Severe water stress reduced chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm ratio, nutrient uptake, and increased proline, soluble sugars, and antioxidant enzyme activity, leading to lower yields. Inoculation with a combination of four *P. fluorescens* strains significantly increased ear yield (44%) and canned seed yield (27%) compared to the control, demonstrating the potential of PGPR in mitigating drought stress and improving sweet corn productivity.

Tayebeh Zarei, Ali Moradi, Seyed Abdolreza Kazemeini, Abdolreza Akhgar, Ashfaq Ahmad Rahi