Vol. 11, Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Prateek Mastana, YP Sharma and Rajeev Dhiman

Abstract:
The present investigation entitled, “Effect of Biofertilizers on Seedling Vigour of Sweet leaf- Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni” was carried out in experimental farm, located at Nauni of the Department of Forest Products. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with eight treatments (T1 (Basal media (Sand: Soil: FYM:: 1:1:1), T2 (Basal media + Azotobacter), T3 (Basal media +PSB), T4 (Basal media + VAM), T5 (Basal media + VAM + Azotobacter), T6 (Basal media + PSB + Azotobacter), T7 (Basal media + PSB + VAM), T8 (Basal media + PSB +VAM + Azotobacter)) and three replications at experimental farm of the department. Inoculation of growing media with biofertilizers individually or in combination significantly influenced the different growth parameters of seedlings in comparison to seedling raised in media without application of any biofertilizers. The application of biofertilizers in growing media proved beneficial for seedling growth. Combined application of PSB and Azotobacter resulted in maximum seedling vigour followed by application of Azotobacter alone, PSB+VAM and PSB + VAM + Azotobacter. However inoculation of growing media with Azotobacter alone, PSB + VAM and PSB + VAM + Azotobacter were also statistically equally good in terms of effect on seedling vigour.