Effect of dual inoculation with Rhizobium and vesicular arfetisctilar myeorrhiza in chickpea {Cicer arietinum) at varying nitrogen levels

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years {rabi 1995-96 and 1996-97) to study the effect of various levels of N (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha'1) with Rhizobium alone and in combination with vesicular arbitscular mycorrhiza (YAM) on nitrogen fixation, VAM colonization and grain yield in chickpea. Maximum number and dry weight of nodules and nitrogenase activity were found at 50 kg N ha'1 in dual inoculated treatments. Modulation and nitrogenase activity were inhibited at 75 kg M ha However, maximum percentage of mycorrhiza! colonization and grain yield were recorded at 75 kg N ha'1. Thus, higher level of N might facilitate YAM cononizatioe and increased grain yield of chickpea in the presence of Rhizobium inoculation.