ENHANCEMENT OF WHEAT (Triticum Aestivum L.) GROWTH AND Zn CONTENT BY ZINC SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA

The influence of biofertilizer inoculation, viz. Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas in different combinations with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NP) on wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) crop was tested during year [2011-2012], to explore the possibility of reducing doses of chemical fertilizers, zinc solubilization and uptake. The results revealed significant uptake of zinc by biofertilizers as compared to chemical fertilizers. Highest shoot zinc(47.6 mg kg-1) uptake was recorded with Azospirillum + ½ NP, Pseudomonas N ½ P. Highest flag leaves zinc uptake was recorded with Pseudomonas + N ½ P (34.73 mg kg-1) and Azospirillum + N ½ P (1.46 mg kg-1). Maximum zinc content in wheat straw was recorded with Rhizobium ½ NP(13.2 mg kg-1), Pseudomonas N ½ P(12.26 mg kg-1) and Azospirillum + ½ NP(12.6 mg kg-1). In grain highest zinc (32.33 mg kg-1) uptake was recorded with Rhizobium ½ N P, Pseudomonas N ½ P and Azospirillum + ½ NP.