FIG. 2.

Growth indexes for poplar cuttings inoculated with different endophytic bacteria. Growth indexes were determined 10 weeks after the inoculating and planting of the cuttings in sandy soil. Per condition, seven plants were used. Plants were grown in the greenhouse. Noninoculated plants were used as references. Bars indicate standard errors. Growth indexes were calculated as (Mt − M0)/M0 after 10 weeks of growth in the presence or absence of endophytic inoculum. M0, plant's weight (g) at week 0; Mt, plant's weight (g) after 10 weeks. The statistical significance of the increased biomass production of inoculated plants, compared to that of noninoculated control plants, was confirmed at the 5% level (**) using the Dunnett test.