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Nissar A. Dar , M. A. Khan , M. Y. Zargar

Abstract

Rhizosphere microbial composition of walnut plants (Cultivar SKAU-W-0035) was studied to select the predominant and efficient isolates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as microbial inoculants. Rhizosphere of walnut was found to be inhabited by bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes with maximum population in June and minimum in December. The most predominant microorganisms in the walnut rhizosphere were species of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Three isolates of each predominant bacterium were screened for plant growth promoting activities. Azotobacter (AZB III), Azospirillum (AZS II), Bacillus (BAC I) and Pseudomonas (PS II) were found to be efficient isolates owing to their ability to produce ammonia, IAA, HCN, antagonasis and phosphorus solubilizing activity. Best growth of all three selected isolates was recorded in nutrient broth at pH 7 and temperature of 300C. The selected isolates were mass-multiplied in nutrient broth for 72 hrs in pilot scale fermentors and mixed with various solid carriers. Shelf life of the cultures was determined by counting the population at 2, 3 and 6 month interval. Lignite was found to be the best carrier for Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas, whereas peat was most suitable carrier for Bacillus.

Keywords

Walnut, Juglans Regia, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobateria (PGPR), Rhizosphere,
Shelf-life

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Z. A. Baba ¹, M. Y. Zargar ², S. A. Mir ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Science, RRS/FOA, Shere-e-Kashmir, University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura Sopore (J&K), IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Regional/Rice Research Station/FOA, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (K), Wadura Sopore (J&K), IN
3 Department of Agristatistics and Economics, Regional/Rice Research Station/FOA, Sher-e-Kashmir, University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (K), Wadura Sopore (J&K), IN

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 2005-2006 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural sciences and Technology of Kashmir India to study the combined effect of nitrogen (0,75,150 Kg ha^-1), phosphorus (0,50,100 kg ha^-1) and bio-fertilizers (No inoculant, Azotobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Glomus sp.) on soil physicochemical properties and micro nutrient availability in strawberry growing soils. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (factorial) with 45 treatment combinations and 5 replications. Significantly lower pH (6.44) from T₁₇, T₁₉, T₃₃, electrical conductivity (0.62 dsm^-1) from T₃ and higher organic carbon (0.97%) from T₂₈, T₃₈ and T₄₂ were recorded. Zinc availability was not significantly influenced by any treatment. Treatments T₄₃ and T₄₄ recorded significantly higher available copper content (0.85 ppm). Significantly higher available manganese (50.20 ppm) and iron (45.01 ppm) was recorded from the treatment T₄₄.

Keywords

Inorganic Fertilizers, Biofertilizers, Micronutrients, Strawberry.

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