Effect of VA-mycorrhizal Fungus and Phosphorus Solubilising Bacterium in Neem

Abstract

The effect of inoculation with VA-mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus fasciculatum) with phosphorus solubilising bacteria on the growth and nutrients uptake ofNeem was examined under nursery conditions. The ability of selected VA-mycorrhizal fungus to increase the growth and uptake of phosphorus was well recognised in Neem from our previous experiments. However, the studies on combined inoculation of both VA-mycorrhizae fungus and P solubilising bacteria are limited in Neem. The present study is correlated with aspects of compatibility between P solubilizing and P mobilising organisms in the rhizosphere of Neem and thereby producing vigorous Neem seedlings for quick planting. The experimental results clearly indicated that combined jnoculation of VA-mycorrhizal fungus and phosphobacteria markedly increased the plant growth of the Neem seedlings when compared to individual inoculants or uninoculated control. The increase in the growth was attributed for the increase in nutrient uptake (N, P, K) by the Neem seedlings. The results indicated that both the organisms are having synergistic effect.