Genetic variability in green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] regarding response to Rhizobium sp. and Piriformospora indica inoculations

A study was conducted to assess genotypic variations in 10 green gram genotypes for root nodulation, root infection to Piriformospora indica, seed yield and N and P uptake. Rhizobium sp. strain-MB-703, P. indica and their combination were inoculated to green gram seeds. Significant genotypic differences observed for all the characters studied indicated the presence of considerable variability. All the microbial treatments and genotype x microbial interaction differed significantly implying that the genotypes interacted differently with different microbial treatments. The traits affected by Rhizobium inoculation in most genotypes were nodules (number and dry weight), N content in seeds and seed yield. Rhizobium inoculation increased seed yield by 3.7–13.9% in genotypes MH-421, MH-810, MH-805, MH-560, MH-721 and MH-318. P. indica infection in roots was >50% in 8 genotypes and it caused increase in seed yield (3.7–6.3%) only in 5 genotypes viz., MH-560, Sattya, Basanti, MH721 and MH-810. Dual inoculation caused 4.6–11.7% increase in seed yield in genotypes MH-421, Sattya, MH-810, MH-805, MH-318 and MH-721.