Impact of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria on Zinc Contents of Wheat

To explore the possibility of reducing doses of chemical fertilizers the influence of bacterial inoculation, viz. Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas in different combinations with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NP) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop was tested in a field experiment during year 20112012. The highest shoot zinc (47.6 mg/kg) content was recorded with Azospirillum + 1⁄2 NP, while flag leaves showed highest zinc with Pseudomonas + N 1⁄2 P (34.73mg/kg) and Azospirillum + N 1⁄2 P (1.46mg/kg). The maximum zinc content in wheat straw was recorded with Rhizobium 1⁄2 NP(13.2 mg/kg) followed by Pseudomonas N 1⁄2 P (12.26mg/kg) and Azospirillum + 1⁄2 NP(12.6mg/kg). In grain, the highest zinc (32.33mg/kg) concentration was recorded with Rhizobium 1⁄2 N P, Pseudomonas N 1⁄2 P and Azospirillum + 1⁄2 NP. The results revealed that wheat treated with Azospirillum, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium significantly increased zinc contents in different parts of wheat plant at different growth stages. These microbes also facilitate efficient nutrient’s uptake which ultimately produce plants of superior quality making agriculture more productive and lesser harmful to environment. It may be concluded from the study that beneficial microorganisms/biofertilizers applied in combination could be a better choice for farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers for sustainable crop production.