Evaluation of effect of inoculation of <i>Azospirillum</i> on the yield of <i>Setaria italica (L.)</i>

Abstract

Inoculation of foxtail millet (variety Lepakshi) with three strains of Azospirillum lipoferum either alone or in combination with nitrogen fertilizer (40 kg N ha-1) increased the plant height, dry weight of shoot and root, and total N content of shoot, root and grain. The grain yield of the inoculated plants was significantly higher compared to the control plants. Both the panicle and the seed weight increased due to inoculation. Among the inocula of A. lipoferum tested, Inoculum-2 (In-2) was found superior to the other two inocula. Further, seasonal (Kharif and Rabi) variations in growth and yield of the plants were
also observed.