Abstract:
ABSTRACT: Studies were conducted to know the effect of inoculation of Azospirillum sp. and phosphatesolubilizing
bacteria (PSB) on the yield of foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv] (cv. Lepakshi) during
Kharif and Rabi seasons, grown in Black soil of sandy loam type in earthen pots by the selected isolates of
Azospirillum A1 (45 C2) and A2 (45 L1) and one isolate of PSB (45 LR3). Pots were inoculated separately
with Azospirillum A1 alone, PSB alone, Azospirillum A1 and PSB in combination. The same was also repeated
with A2 isolate. Pots which received heat killed inoculum served as control. Triplicates were maintained for
each treatment. Inoculation of foxtail millet (cv. Lepakshi) with two strains of Azospirillum sp. and one strain
of a Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterium (PSB) individually and in combination significantly increased plant
height, dry weight of shoot and root over control plants. Yield increased due to inoculation with Azospirillum
and PSB in combination. Dual inoculation with Azospirillum and PSB improved the yield.
Key words: Azospirillum, PSB, Dual inoculation, Foxtail millet, Lepakshi, growth, yield
