Effect of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi from Rhizosphere soil of Medicinal plants on Growth and Phosphate uptake in Raphanus sativus

Abstract

This field experiment deals with the isolation and evaluation of phosphate solubilizing fungi of a total of 9 isolates isolated from 10 rhizosphere soil of medicinal plants by serial dilution method using Pikovaskaya’s medium. After screening, 3 fungi were selected and evaluated, PSF 7 (Talaromyces sp.) showed good results in phosphate solubilization including solubilization index (3.08), reduced pH (3.2 from initial pH 6.8), titrable acidity (38.08), and phosphate present in culture broth (25µg/ml). The radish seeds showed 88% germination and growth, yield parameters include, plant height – 20.9cm, 40.8cm, and 71.5cm at 15 days, 30 days, and harvest respectively, several leaves at 9, 13, and 17 at 15 days, 30days and harvest respectively, root length (24.5cm), the weight of biomass (fresh weight -152 and dry weight – 15.7) and yield of root vegetable weight (39g). The maximum plant phosphorus uptake was recorded as 0.371% and the maximum P (Kg/ha) available in the rhizosphere soil was recorded as 344.29 Kg/ha. Due to the observation of good results in phosphate solubilization, they improve the growth and yield of radish. The selected PSF were recommended as phosphate bio inoculums in the agricultural field to improve plant growth and yield in radish and to maintain soil fertility.