Nutritional value of Sesamum indicum L. was improved by Azospirillum and Azotobacter under low input of NP fertilizers

Asia Nosheen,Rumana Keyani,Faizan Ullah,Asghari Bano,Humaira Yasmin,Muhammad Nadeem Hassan,Rabia Naz,Ayesha T Tahir,Ishtiaq Hussain

doi:10.1186/s12870-019-2077-3

Abstract

BackgroundSesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50–55% oil, 20% protein, 14–20% carbohydrate and 2–3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv. TS-3 using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and saving the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) by 50%. Field experiment (randomized complete block design) was conducted during the months of July to October of two consecutive years 2012–2013. Azospirillum (AL) and Azotobacter (AV) were applied as seed inoculation alone as well as along with half of the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) fertilizers (urea and diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 25 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha respectively.ResultsHere we report that A. lipoferum along with half dose of NP fertilizers (ALCF) were highly effective in increasing the agronomic and yield traits of sesame as compared to the control. A. vinelandii plus NP fertilizers (AVCF) exhibited higher seed oil content. Minimum acid value, optimum specific gravity and modified fatty acid composition were observed in ALCF treatment. Increase in oleic acid by ALCF is directly linked with improved oil quality for health benefits as oleic acid is the fatty acid which creates a balance between saturation and unsaturation of oil and for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects.ConclusionIt is inferred that ALCF treatment improved plant growth, seed yield and oil quality of sesame pertaining to good quality edible oil production.

Highlights

Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50–55% oil, 20% protein, 14–20% carbohydrate and 2–3% fiber
Effect of A. lipoferum, A. vinelandii and nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) fertilizers on leaf chlorophyll and protein contents, plant height and no. of branches plant− 1 All the treatments resulted in increase in leaf chlorophyll and protein contents as compared to the control
Maximum increase (309%) in leaf chlorophyll content was recorded in A. lipoferum + half dose of NP fertilizer treatment (ALCF) followed by single application of A. lipoferum (190%)

Summary

Introduction

Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50–55% oil, 20% protein, 14–20% carbohydrate and 2–3% fiber. TS-3 using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and saving the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) by 50%. Biofertilizers supplied in combination with chemical fertilizers could minimize the aforementioned problems [5, 6] Biofertilizers mainly include those microorganisms which have capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, release plant growth promoting substances and solubilize rock phosphates etc. These microorganisms include fungi such as Arbuscular Mychorrhizal (AM) and bacteria like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These microorganisms promote plant growth and yield independently as well as synergizing the effect of each other

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Conclusion