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Effect of formulated root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

Vinod Kumar1, M V R K Sarma, Krishna Saharan

  • 1Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.

World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology
|July 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Beneficial microbes, including Piriformospora indica (Pi) and pseudomonads (R62, R81), significantly enhanced Vigna mungo growth. The Pi+R81 consortium formulation showed the most promising results in both glasshouse and field trials.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Science

Background:

  • Plant growth-promoting microorganisms are crucial for sustainable agriculture.
  • Root endophytic fungi and pseudomonads strains can form beneficial symbiotic relationships with plants.
  • Understanding microbial consortia effects on crop yield is vital for agricultural innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Piriformospora indica (Pi) and pseudomonads strains (R62, R81) and their consortia as bio-inoculants for Vigna mungo.
  • To assess the impact of inorganic carrier-based formulations (talcum powder, vermiculite) on microbial performance.
  • To determine the consistency of microbial treatments from glasshouse to field conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Inoculation of Vigna mungo with Pi, R62, R81, and their consortia (Pi+R62, Pi+R81, R62+R81, Pi+R62+R81) using talcum powder and vermiculite carriers.
  • Growth parameter assessment (dry root weight, dry shoot weight, nodule number, pod number) under glasshouse and field conditions.
  • Analysis of plant tissue nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).

Main Results:

  • All microbial treatments significantly increased Vigna mungo growth parameters compared to the control in both glasshouse and field settings.
  • The vermiculite-based Pi+R81 consortium formulation yielded maximum increases in dry root weight (4.5-fold in glasshouse, 3.2-fold in field) and dry shoot weight (3.9-fold in glasshouse, 3.0-fold in field).
  • The Pi+R81 consortium also significantly enhanced nodulation (8.4-fold) and pod production (4.0-fold), along with nitrogen (1.9-fold) and phosphorus (1.7-fold) content, while Pi alone maximized potassium content (1.4-fold).

Conclusions:

  • Inorganic carrier-based formulations of Piriformospora indica and pseudomonads consortia effectively promote Vigna mungo growth and yield.
  • The Pi+R81 consortium, particularly in vermiculite formulation, demonstrates significant potential as a bio-inoculant for enhancing crop productivity and nutrient uptake.
  • Microbial bio-inoculants offer a sustainable approach to improving crop performance under diverse environmental conditions.

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