Effect of Biofertilizers on Growth and Establishment of Cashew Grafts under Nursery Condition

Abstract

Evaluation of biofertilizers on growth and establishment of cashew grafts var. Chintamani-1 was studied under greenhouse condition. The grafts were planted in potting mixture, soil with farm yard manure and sand in the ratio of 2:1:1 (Soil: FYM; Sand) taken in polythene bags of size 12 cm x 18 cm, applied with biofertilizers such as Azospirillum spp., phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Pseudomonas flourescens, (single / dual / combinations) @ 10 g per graft plus vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM), a soil based biofertilizer @10 g. The growth parameters viz. length, stem girth and number of leaves were found to be enhanced due to biofertilizer application. Also the biofertilizer inoculation had increased the percent success of grafts, total biomass and nitrogen and phosphorous uptake at the end of 150 days. The inoculation of consortia of three biofertilizers; Azospirillum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and VAM was efficient in getting maximum plant height (50.67 cm), stem girth (2.83 cm) and number of leaves (6.93 no.) and also found to be better than dual or single inoculation of these biofertilizers for growth and establishment as well as nutrient uptake in cashew grafts under nursery conditions.