1Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
2Department of Bioscience, Integral University, Lucknow, India
*Corresponding author: sumtapal99@gmaul.com (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0275-651X)
Online published on 22 March, 2019.
Production of chemical fertilizers is associated with consumption of huge energy. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the energy consumption in bio-priming mediated okra production under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that among all the treatments, seed priming with Trichodermaharzianum (NBRI 1055) along with 90% RDF was not only helpful in reducing fertilizer dose by 10%, but at the same time produced almost similar yield as compared to with 100% RDF. Bio-priming in different combination with chemical fertilizers had a positive impact on the chemical composition of okra. Bio-primed treatments saved 970 to 1670 KJ energy in producing unit produce as compared with 100% RDF. This proved that bio-priming is cost-effective, user, and eco-friendly technique solving numerous problems in agriculture. This technique requires the prerequisite of incorporating organic matter in soil and seen as complementary to inorganic fertilizer source, not as their replacement.
Seed priming with Trichoderma harzianum(NBRI 1055) have the potential to meet crop nutrient requirements and improve seedling emergence and crop stand establishment, yield, and grain micronutrient enrichment.
An extra intervention with the existing technology of INM practice could make a huge difference in the intensive input/energy consuming system altogether leading to sustainable high yields saving a lot of energy for future use.
Seed bio priming, Okra, input energy requirement, Trichoderma harzianum, growth promotion
