Abstract:
Investigations were conducted to determine the efficacy of biofertilizer inoculations with Rhizobium,
phosphobacteria and Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), individually and in combination on the
growth, biomass, biochemical parameters and nutrient yield of pungam (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre)
seedlings under nursery conditions. Six months old seedlings were transplanted to polybags containing
different inoculum combinations arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications.
Uninoculated treatment formed the control. The results showed enhanced shoot and root length, total dry
matter and nutrient uptake due to triple inoculation with Rhizobium, phosphobacteria and VAM. All dual
inoculations proved as good as the triple inoculation with regard to P yield. For K yield, the dual inoculation
with Rhizobium + VAM was comparable with triple inoculation. With regard to total chlorophyll, soluble
protein and nitrate reductase activity also, the triple inoculation performed best. Thus, inoculation with a
combination of Rhizobium, Phosphobacteria and VAM would improve the nursery performance of
pungam.
