Improving sugarcane growth and nutrient uptake by inoculating Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Seven Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus strains from sugarcane roots were screened for their efficiency to promote growth and nutrient uptake in sugarcane at three levels of urea N (0, 75, and 150 kg N ha(-1)). Inoculation by these strains improved germination, tiller number and plant height. N-uptake and apparent N-recovery increased due to inoculation and the effect was more at N-75 level. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus isolate IS100 was found to be the most efficient in promoting plant growth and nutrient uptake in sugarcane.