Capacity of Strains to Degrade Hydrocarbons, Produce Auxins and Maintain Plant Growth under Normal Conditions and in the Presence of Petroleum Contaminants.

The phytoremediation of soil contaminated with petroleum oil products relies on co-operation between plants and rhizosphere bacteria, including the plant growth-promoting effect of the bacteria. We studied the capacity of strains of , selected as oil degraders, to produce plant hormones and promote plant growth. Strains with intermediate auxin production were the most effective in stimulating the seedling growth of seven plant species under normal conditions.