Effect of bioinoculants on seedlings of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) seedlings were raised in nursery to study the effect of nitrogen fixing bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum) and AM-fungi (Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum) on growth, metabolites and nutrient uptake. Higher per cent seed germination was observed with AM-fungi. Bio-inoculants improved plant height, leaf area and shoot dry weight with maximum enhancement in dual inoculation. A significant increase in chlorophyll content and various metabolites was observed with N₂ – fixing bacteria and dual inoculation. Nitrogen content was better with N₂ – fixers while P content with AM-fungi. However treatments with dual inoculation had maximum content of N, P and K compared to that of single inoculation. Uptake of micronutrients increased with inoculation of N_2- fixers and AM-fungi individually but was less than dual inoculation.