Effect of diazotrophic bacterium inoculation and organic fertilization on yield of Champaka pineapple intercropped with irrigated sapota

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the 'Champaka' pineapple to inoculation with the diazotrophic bacterium Asaia bogorensis (strain 219) when grown with organic fertilizer in an irrigated sapota orchard. Plantlets were transplanted to tubes containing a mixture of worm compost and vermiculite and inoculated with 10(8) bacterial cells. After five and a half months of acclimatization the plantlets were transplanted in furrows in the sapota orchard. Fertilizer was placed at the bottom of the furrows and covered with three doses (2.5; 5.0 and 7.5 L linear m(-1) row) of three organic composts. The successful association of the plantlets with the diazotrophic bacterium was confirmed by most probable number analysis before transferring to the field. Plants inoculated with strain AB219 showed the greatest initial leaf growth and produced the heaviest fruits compared to uninoculated plants. Plant growth and fruit yield increased with increasing compost dosages. The results suggested that 'Champaka' pineapple benefited from the association of A. bogorensis (strain 219) when grown under irrigation and with organic fertilizer.