Multifaceted potential of bioinoculants on red bell pepper (F1 hybrid, Indam Mamatha) production

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the comparative efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Funneliformis mosseae and Acaulospora laevis) with Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens on growth and yield of red bell pepper. The results indicate that F. mosseae colonized the plant roots better as compared to A. laevis and promoted maximum increment in AM spore number, root colonization, leaf area, acid phosphatase activity, early fruit formation along with maximum increase in fruit nitrogen, and protein content. Whereas F. mosseae+P. fluorescens promoted maximum increase in plant height, shoot weight, mycorrhizal dependency, chlorophyll a, alkaline phosphatase activity, and fruit phosphorus content. Regarding root length, root weight, leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll b, number of fruits per plant and their fresh weight, it was found best in F. mosseae+A. laevis+P. fluorescens. Therefore, soil inoculation with suitable bioinoculant should be used at nursery stage for better yield.

Keywords:

• arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
• Capsicum annuum L.
• fruit yield
• nutrient uptake
• P. fluorescens
• T. viride

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra for providing financial assistance in the form of university research scholarship to AT for the completion of this work.