JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

Effect of interaction between AMF Glomus bagyarajii and PGPR Methylobacterium radiotolerans on tomato seedlings raised in Pro Trays

Author:M.C. RANJITHA;R. ASHWIN, D.J. BAGYARAJ

Abstract :

The present study evaluated the effect of dual inoculation with Glomus bagyarajii (AMF) and

Methylobacterium radiotolerans (PGPR) on the growth and quality of tomato seedlings

raised in pro trays under polyhouse conditions. Compared to uninoculated seedlings, those

treated with the microbial consortium exhibited significantly enhanced shoot and root length,

stem diameter, and seedling dry weight. Dual inoculation resulted in a 25% and 21% increase

in shoot and root length, respectively, and a 49% improvement in the biovolume index (BI),

which reflects seedling quality. Root colonization by AMF reached 100% in dual-inoculated

plants, compared to 90% in AMF-only treatments, indicating superior compatibility and

synergistic interaction between the fungus and bacteria. Additionally, dual inoculation

significantly increased rhizosphere microbial populations, highlighting its role in promoting

beneficial microbial activity. These results underline the potential of G. bagyarajii and M.

radiotolerans as a microbial consortium for raising healthy, vigorous tomato seedlings.

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