R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , A. K. Thakur

Abstract

Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and a companion fungus (CF) (Aspergillus fumigatus) was studied on growth of Aonla (Emblica officinalis) in nursery. Application of AM fungi and PSB in combination produced maximum plant height followed by combination of all the four treatments. Maximum diameter of seedlings was obtained in Azospirillum treatment followed by Azospirillum along with the companion fungus, followed by combination of AM fungi and companion fungus and companion fungus and PSB. Maximum ischolar_main colonization was in AM fungi and companion fungus combination and combination of AM fungi, companion fungus and Azospirillum. On the basis of above application of AM fungi along with companion fungus or Azospirillum and companion fungus is recommended to boost the growth of Aonla in nursery.

Keywords

Emblica officinalis, Bio-fertilizers, Nursery

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R. K. Verma , Jamaluddin , V. S. Dadwal , A. K. Thakur

Abstract

Effect of application of biofertilizers, Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was studied in a factorial experiment on production of planting propagules (stumps) of teak in nursery. Seed germination was maximum in Azospirillum treatment followed by its combination with AM and PSB after two months. Maximum height of seedlings was recorded in AM + Azospirillum, AM + PSB and AM+PSB+ Azospirillum combination after five months. Diameter of seedlings at collar region was maximum in AM, AM + Azospirillum and AM + Azospirillum + PSB combinations. The economics of biofertilizer application is also worked out. Application of biofertilizers increase the number of stumps produced per bed as well as the diameter of stumps. Therefore, an artificial profit index was calculated combining the both parameters to infer the real benefit of biofertilizers' application. Based on the profit index application of AM fungi along with Azospirillum was found the best treatment to produce quality planting propagules of teak in a commercial nursery.

Keywords

Teak Propagules, Commercial Nursery, Biofertilizer Application, Economics

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R. K. Verma , A. K. Thakur , P. S. Rajput

Abstract

Different plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) were screened for their growth promoting activity against Santalum album in nursery. A mix of selected organisms, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilising bacteria (fluorescent Pseudomonas sp.), Trichderma viride, AM fungi and soil amendment with organic matter were applied in a factorial field experiment to study their effect on survival and growth of sandal (Santalum album) saplings. Loam soil, farm yard manure (FYM), un-decomposed teak leaf, Leucaena leaf and mix organic matter (mixer of these 3 organic matters in equal ratio) in 3:1 v/v were used for amendment of natural red muram soil. There was 10-20% mortality in un-amended soil as compared to 0-10% in soil amended with organic matter along with PGPM application. No mortality was recorded in soil amended with loam soil, mix of FYM, teak and Leucaena leaves along with application of PGPM. Significant effect of soil amendment and application of PGPM was also observed on the growth of saplings after 2 years and 3 monthof planting. Fruit bodies of Lepiota longicauda, L. cristata and Scleroderma sp. were only developed on soil amended with organic matters. Maximum height was recorded in PGPM applied and soil amended with teak leaves (61% more as compared to control) followed by mixed organic matter and loam soil (39% and 38% more, respectively).

Keywords

Plant Growth Promoting Microbes, Soil Amendments, Survival of Seedlings

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R. K. Verma ¹, Richa Tripathee ¹, Sonam Chourasiya ¹, A. K. Thakur ¹

Affiliations
1 Forest Pathology Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, PO- RFRC, Jabalpur- 482021, IN

Abstract

Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Azospirillum, was studied on growth and shoot Phosphorus contents of bael (Aegle marmelos) in nursery. Application of AM fungi in combination with Azospirillum produced maximum plant biomass, shoot phosphorus content and ischolar_main colonization. Application of Azospirillum along with AM fungi showed a synergistic effect on ischolar_main colonization and is being recommended to boost the growth of bael seedlings in nursery.

Keywords

Am Fungi, Azospirillum, Biomass, Root Colonization, P-uptake.

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A. K. Thakur ¹, L. S. Kandari ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box # 138, Dire Dawa, ET

Abstract

In Ethiopia, forests play an important role in enhancing household livelihood of residing rural communities besides maintaining ecological balance. More than 50% of the bee colonies are active in the forest areas where different trees, shrubs and herbs are to be found growing, having variable flowering period thereby providing a source for five races of honeybees for collecting nectar and pollens. It is because of the presence of diversified trees that forests remain a source of assured honey when compared to crops in cultivated areas. Out of total 40 major trees present in the forest, seven of them like Erica arboreal, Eucalyptus spp, Euphorbis candelabrum, Diospyros mespeliformis, Piliostigma thonningii, Azadirachta indica and Dracaena afromontana are reported to be exclusively source of nectar. Trees like Schinus molle hold promise as a major source of pollen. Out of a total 30 herbs and shrubs, herbs plants like Bidens spp., Guizotia scabra, Hypoestes forskalii and Agave sisalana are assured source of nectar while four shrubs i.e. Hypericum revolutum, Plantago lanceola, Solanum nigrum and Rumex nervosus are abundant source of pollen to meet the protein requirements of honey bees.

Keywords

Aromatic Honey, Diversified Trees, Household Livelihood, Nectar, Pollen.

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