Co-inoculation of Mesorhizobium sp. and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas sp. as bio-enhancer and bio-fertilizer in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was undertaken to study the synergistic effect of recommended Mesorhizobium sp. (LGR -33) (Meso) and native potential PGPR Pseudomonas sp. (PGPR 2 and PGPR 3) along with reference strain Pseudomonas diminuta (LK884) on bio-enhancing activity, symbiotic parameters and grain yield in desi (PBG 1) and kabuli (BG 1053) under field conditions in chickpea during rabi 2009–2010. Significant improvement in growth and symbiotic parameters was observed with co-inoculation of Mesorhizobium sp. with native potential Pseudomonas sp. PGPR as compared to single inoculants of Mesorhizobium sp. in both varieties. Maximum improvement in symbiotic parameters was observed with co-inoculation of Mesorhizobium sp. and PGPR 3 followed by native PGPR 2 as compared to LK884 (reference). On an average, co-inoculation of Mesorhizobium sp. with PGPR 3 improved the yield by 7.0% (desi) and 5.3% (kabuli) over Mesorhizobium sp. alone. It appears that native potential Pseudomonas sp. PGPR can be explored as potent bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers along with Mesorhizobium sp. in chickpea under low input technology programme of sustainable agriculture.