Effect of Azotobacter sp and Azospirillum sp on vegetative growth of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Abstract

The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused serious health disease. Biofertilizer are the formulation of living microorganisms which are capable of fixing atmospheric N2 in the soil and thereby increasing the crop yield. Therefore, present study was conducted with the aim to apply Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The Tomato seeds were sown in the nursery and transplanted into the pot and before sowing biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer were applied as single dose. Observations were recorded at different time interval as: 30, 45 and 60, days. Maximum growth of tomato was observed in treatment T6 which comprised of 75% dose of NPK along with Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp. The observe parameters in treatment T6 were as: germination (%) 90, plant height 51cm, Leaf area 59cm2, Branches per plant 8.66 and Leaf per branch 17.33cm. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the strains possess great potential to be developed as biofertilizer to enhance soil fertility and plant growth. However, their performance under field conditions should be assessed before being recommended for commercial applications.