Yield Maximization in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Through the Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted to study the “Influence of NPK, biofertilizers, foliar application of Micronutrients on growth, yield and yield attributes of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)” at Agronomy Department Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, during Kharif seasons 2012 and 2013. The response in terms of yield and yield attributes was tested against the application of Rhizobium + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in addition to a recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and micronutrients’ application. The result showed that there is 21.07% increase in pigeon pea with the application of Rhizobium + PSB over RDF alone and 11.53% over the application of RDF + micronutrient. The application of Rhizobium + PSB helped to increase the various yield attributes, viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, root nodules per plant, dry matter accumulation per plant, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant, pod length, 100-seed weight, the weight of grains per plant, and the weight of stalk per plant. The application of Rhizobium + PSB is helpful for sustaining soil fertility and higher net returns and B:C ratio over RDF application. Thus, for obtaining higher yields and economic returns to sustain soil fertility, pigeon pea variety BSMR-736 should be grown during Kharif season with the application of seed inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB biofertilizers at 25 g each kg−1 seeds in addition to RDF alone.