Improving the Growth and Yield of Maize Through Multi-Strain Inoculation (PGPR) under Saline Conditions

Abstract

Growth of maize plant affect by saline stress conditions. Salt stress can be reduced through beneficial rhizobacteria that may increase the growth of plants. An experiment in pot was conducted to assess the effect of combined use of rhizobia and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase) on the growth and yield of maize under salt affected conditions. In pots three levels of salinity were developed i.e. 1.2 (original), 6 and 12dSm1 by sodium chloride (NaCl) salt. The inoculants being used for maize seeds included PGPR (S1, S2) and Rhizobium (Mn2) strains. Recommended doses of NPK were applied @ 180:140:90 kgha-1. Growth and yield of maize plants improved significantly by inoculation. Root length was increased by 32% with S1+S2+Mn2 strains at original EC. The rhizobacterial strains (either alone or in combination) significantly increased the1000-grain weight, fresh and dry plant biomass up to 35%, 36% and 48% at 6 dSm-1 respectively. Dry matter of the crop (40%) was recorded with Rhizobium strain Mn2 (alone) compared to un-inoculated control at 12 dSm-1. Results showed that the strains consortia (S2+Mn2) might be helpful in elevating the productivity of maize under saline conditions.