Evaluating Performance of Mung Bean Genotypes by Inoculating Seed with Bacterial Strains under Green House Conditions

Abstract

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is regarded as an ancient pulse crop of Asia and holds key position due to its high nutrient value. The reason for low yield of mung bean in Pakistan is poor soil and nutrient management and crop husbandry. The compatible strains of bacteria can enhance nitrogen fixation capacity and yield of the mung bean. The present study aimed to evaluate the response of three mung bean genotypes by inoculating with rhizobium and phosphat solubilizing bacteria under controlled conditions. The experiment comprised of three varieties that are (V₁) AZRI MUNG-2006, (V₂) NM-06, (V₃) NCM-21 inoculated with bacterial strain having a control with no inoculam as (T₀) Control, (T₁) Rhizobium, (T₃) Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, (T₄) Rhizobium strain + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria. The bacterial treatments were inoculated with seeds of selected genotypes and grown in pots upto full vegetative stage. The data on different growth related parameters were taken to analyse the performance to bacterial strains on tested varieties. The investigations revealed that leaf area, cholorophyll content, no of pod/plant, no of nodules, nodules dry weight, root and shoot dry were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by bacterial strains in all the varieties. The rhizobium strain was found superior to attain highest root shoot dry weight probably due to maximum N fixation and supply to the plants that increased as leaf area, cholorphyll content and in turn produced maximum growth. The availability and uptake of nutrient is treated varieties is witnessed by increased aveages values of plant N (18.08 mg/kg) and P (2.23 mg/kg) in Rhizobium and PSB treated pots, respectively. The PSB singly or in comination with rhizobium also enhanced growth in all the varieties. We concluded the selection of suitable bacterial strains could help to improve nodulation efficiecy of legumes for sustainable plant growth and soil improvement. The study provided new avenues of research needed to be conducted under field conditions to select compatible strains for different varities for the area.