XVI International Botanical Congess

The effect of application of Azospirillum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum on the irrigated minor millet-Setaria italica was investigated in field trials carried out in a garden located at tropical South India. The microbial inoculates were applied on the seed and on the soil, and also applied either alone or in combination with 50% and 100% urea. The combined application increased leaf size and number and chlorophyll content. This also increase the protein content and total grain and straw yield. An yield increase up to 30% was recorded due to Azospirillum and 28% due to Azotobacter. This study clearly indicated the possibility of achieving higher yield output upon application of microbial inoculates on to the soil. The trend of the data also showed a saving of fertilizer up to the extent of 50% urea.