Survival of Azospirillum brasilense flocculated cells in alginate and its inoculation effect on growth and yield of maize under water deficit conditions

► The efficiency of standard grown and flocculated Azospirillum cells was compared. ► Flocculated cells had higher survivability in both alginate and disinfected soil. ► Flocculated cells recorded higher adhesion to hydrophobic beads and to maize roots. ► Under water deficit conditions flocculated cells improved maize growth and yield.