Effect of Microbially Enriched Vermicompost on the Growth and Biochemical Characteristics of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The application of microbially enriched vermicompost has significant effect on the growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). The growth characters such as seed germination, seedling vigour index, shoot len gth, root length, plant fresh weight and plant dry weight were significantly higher in plants amended with enriched vermicompost. The effect was varied with nature of microbes used for the enrichment. The response was superior in the enriched vermicompost over the control. Among the enrichments, the growth characters were more responding to Azospirillum enriched vermicompost. The application of enriched vermicompost has positive effect on the biochemical characters of Okra such as total chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, amino acids, glucose content and NR activity. Biochemical characters such as total chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein, amino acids were higher in Azospirillum brasilense enriched vermicompost where as in case of glucose and NR activity was higher with Pseudomonas fluorescens enrichment.