Indian Journal of Natural Fibers

Two years field experiment was conducted during 2012–13 to evaluate microbial plant growth promoters and biopesticide based production modules in olitorius jute (Var. JRO 524) and compared with inorganic chemical fertilizer, insecticide based production module to establish its potential in biotic stress management and economic acceptability. Instead of 50% reduction of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer, seed treatment with biofertilizer strains (Azotobacter chroococuum and phosphate solubilising bacteria) showed major effect on plant growth promotion as apparent by increased plant height, basal diameter and green weight of the crop. The plant growth promoting microbes also had significant effect on reduction of Macrophomina phaseolina induced disease complex in jute (stem and root rot). The effect was more pronounced with inclusion of two biocontrol agents viz., Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens in the production module. Chemical insecticide was most effective for yellow mite management but application of neem oil also appeared to be a good proposition under organic bio inputs based production module. From two years pooled result, microbial plant growth promoters and bio-pesticides based production module showed highest fibre production. Greater benefit cost ratio of the bio-inputs based production module also corroborated the sustainability of the approach.