Seedling bio-priming with Trichoderma spp. Enhances nitrogen use efficiency in rice

Abstract

Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of seedling bio-priming with Trichoderma harzianum (ATCC No. PTA-3701), varied N fertilizer doses (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% RDN), and different soil type on rice plant under greenhouse condition. Results showed that the plant growth, chlorophyll content, nutrient use efficiency, and grain N content were significantly increased in various treatments. Significantly higher growth promotion, chlorophyll content, nutrient use efficiency, and grain N content were found with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK @120-60-60 kg ha-1 followed by seedling treated with T. harzianum + 3/4th N and RDF of PK. Seedling bio-priming with T. harzianum also enhanced the plant growth and nutrient use efficiency in rice plant. Agronomic use efficiency and physiological use efficiency were maximum in alluvial soil as compared to black soil and red soil. Results indicated the suitability of seedling bio-priming with T. harzianum for better plant growth and nutrient use efficiency in rice plants.