Question:

Which of the following bacteria do not solubilize the insoluble rock phosphate?

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Remember: Pseudomonas & Bacillus $\rightarrow$ Phosphate solubilizers
Klebsiella & Beijerinckia $\rightarrow$ Nitrogen fixers
Updated On: May 8, 2026
  • Bacillus polymyxa and Pseudomonas striata.
  • Micrococcus and Aspergillus spp.
  • Pseudomonas striata and Agrobacterium.
  • Klebsiella and Beijerinckia.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Concept: Certain soil microorganisms are capable of converting insoluble phosphate (rock phosphate) into soluble forms that plants can absorb. These are called phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSM).
• Common phosphate solubilizers:
• Bacillus polymyxa
• Pseudomonas striata
• Aspergillus spp. (fungi)
• Some bacteria are involved in nitrogen fixation, not phosphate solubilization:
• Klebsiella
• Beijerinckia

Step 1:
Understand the requirement.
We need organisms that do NOT solubilize phosphate.

Step 2:
Analyze each option.
• (A) Bacillus, Pseudomonas: Known phosphate solubilizers
• (B) Aspergillus: Phosphate solubilizing fungus (Micrococcus less common, but option invalid due to Aspergillus)
• (C) Pseudomonas: Solubilizer present, so incorrect
• (D) Klebsiella and Beijerinckia: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, not phosphate solubilizers

Step 3:
Conclusion.
Thus, Klebsiella and Beijerinckia do not solubilize rock phosphate. Final Answer: Option (D)
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