<span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Bold;mso-bidi-language:HI">Induction of root nodules using synthetic auxin 2, 4-D and inoculation with <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-BoldItalic;mso-bidi-language:HI">Azospirillum </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Bold;mso-bidi-language:HI">enhances growth and yield parameters in maize </span></span>

Abstract

<span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-language:HI">Maize seedlings were inoculated with <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Italic; mso-bidi-language:HI">Azospirillum brasilense </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-language:HI">and nodules were induced by 2, 4-D treatment under hydroponic culture. Well developed para-nodule formation was observed with 2, 4-D treatment and inoculation with <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Italic;mso-bidi-language:HI">Azospirillum brasilense</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-language: HI">. Presence of leghaemoglobin and acetylene reduction assay confirmed effective nitrogen fixation in 2, 4-D and Azospirillum treated seedlings. Control and nodulated plants were grown in pot culture, till maturity. Nodulated plants showed better growth, in terms of significantly higher shoot and root biomass. Cob length, no of grains per cob and 100 grain weight were also higher in nodulated plants. Nodulated plants maintained higher N content in the grains and stover. The soil nitrate and ammonium levels were also higher in the pots sown with inoculated plants as compared to control plants. Azospirillum, an associative symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacterium can effectively contribute towards nitrogen fixing potential in nonlegumes

<span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Times-Roman;mso-bidi-language:HI">like maize. It can play an active role helping in better maintenance of crop nutrient as well as soil health by reducing fertilizer requirement.

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