Evaluation of PGPR and different concentration of phosphorus level on plant growth, yield and nutrient content of rice (Oryza sativa)

The aims of this study were to boost growth attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of rice by different treatment combination of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and various phosphorus fertilizer doses. PGPR strains e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa BHUJY16, P. aeruginosa BHUJY20, Pseudomonas putida BHUJY13, P. putida BHUJY23 and Pseudomonas fluorescens BHUJY29 were known as combined Pseudomonas culture (CPC). The treatment combinations of (CPC + Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum brasilense + 60 kg ha(-1) P2O5) and (CPC + A. chroococcum + A. brasilense + 30 kg ha(-1) P2O5) showed greater significant (31.66 and 32.00 g pot(-1)) and (29.99 and 30.28 g pot(-1)) grain yield of rice as compared to control during first and second year pot experiments, respectively. The treatment combination (CPC + A. chroococcum + A. brasilense + 60 kg ha(-1) P2O5) was recorded significantly higher plant growth attribute, yield, nutrient contents in grain and straw of rice followed by combination of (CPC + A. chroococcum + A. brasilense + 30 kg ha(-1) P2O5), (CPC + A. chroococcum + 60 kg ha(-1) P2O5) as compared to control during both year of experiments. PGPR combination with 60 kg ha(-1) phosphorus (P) was found higher growth and yield; while PGPR with 30 kg ha(-1) P gave approximately similar results of growth and yield due to more availability of NPK in the soil by cumulative effect of PGPR activities in the rhizosphere soil. So that treatment combinations of PGPR with 30 kg ha(-1) P was found economically cheaper than the PGPR with 60 kg ha(-1) P. Hence, the treatment combination of PGPR strains of Pseudomonas culture with A. chroococcum + A. brasilense + 30 kg ha(-1) P2O5 may be used as more effective combination for rice production. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.