Effect of inoculation of AM fungi and beneficial microorganisms on growth and nutrient uptake of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. (finger millet)

Biofertilizers have been used as sources to improve plant nutrients in sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers are low cost, renewable sources of plant nutrients which supplement chemical fertilizers. Mycorrhizal fungi are a major component of agricultural natural resources and members of kingdom fungi. The term ‘mycorrhiza’ is derived from Greek word which means ‘fungus root’. Earthen pot experiments were carried out to study the inoculation effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mossease), Azospirillium brasilense and PSB on plant height, dry weight of root and shoot, per cent root colonization, spore number, P and N uptake. Experimental pots were filled with 4 kegs of sterilized soil and maintained in green house at 25-30 °C temperature. Single inoculation of AM fungi and combined inoculation of AM fungi with Azospirillium brasilense or PSB was found to be moderately increased in all the growth parameters. However triple inoculation of AM fungi, Azospirillium brasilense and PSB was found to have highest growth parameters.