Impact of biofertilizers on morpho-physiological attributes in pungam (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre) seedlings

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.