Liquid Biofertilizer Research Articles

Influence of Liquid Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati during summer, 2024 to study the influence of liquid bio fertilizers and different levels of fertilizers on growth and yield of sesame. Results revealed that the application of 100% RDF + seed treatment + soil application of liquid bio fertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB and KSB) reported higher plant height( 99 cm), leaf area index(1.72), dry matter accumulation (3341 kg ha-1), seed (945 kg ha-1) and stalk (1890 kg ha-1) yield as compared to other treatments. The grain yield of sesame with100% RDF + seed treatment + soil application of liquid bio fertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB and KSB) was enhanced by 26.5% and 24.3% when compared to the 100% RDF alone. The lowest seed yield (380 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (830 kg ha-1) was registered with absolute control.

Effect of Liquid Microbial Consortium on Physio Chemical Properties of Rice Field (Oryza Sativa) in a Vertisol

A study was conducted during kharif 2020 on "Effect of liquid microbial consortium (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, PSB (Pseudomonas mallei, Pseudomonas cepaceae, Penicillium sp.) and KSB) on physio chemical properties and microbial population of rice field (Oryza sativa) in a Vertisol" at the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya's Research cum instructional farm in Raipur (C.G.). Experiment included seven treatments viz. control (no fertilizer, no liquid NPK microbial consortia), two independent applications of 75 % RDF (90:45:30) and 100% RDF ((120: 60: 40) N, P2O5, and K2O kg ha-1 and four various combinations of seed and soil application of liquid NPK microbial consortia. Seed coating with NPK consortia @5ml kg-1, with 75% and 100% RDF and Seed coating with NPK consortia @5ml kg-1 + Soil application of NPK consortia @3 L ha-1 at 21 DAS with 75%RDF and 100%RDF. In the experiment, liquid biofertilizer products, such as liquid microbial NPK consortia were used. The population of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) and total bacterial population were significantly influenced by application of consortia as seed treatment @ 5ml kg-1 only and by a combination of seed treatment @ 5ml kg-1 seed + soil application @ 3 L ha-1 at 21 DAT with 75 or 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers and showed statistically significant higher microbial population in comparisons with the treatments of untreated alone applications of 75 or 100 % RDF. The results showed that the soil reaction, (pH) salt concentration (Electrical conductivity) and organic carbon status were not significantly influenced by the different treatments of fertilizer levels and microbial consortia applied. Slight decrease in the soil reaction (pH) and slight increase in the OC status after the harvesting of rice were observed from their initial soil values (before application of treatments). It might be due to the addition of organic matter as plant residues (straw and roots) of rice crop gown in the field. As compared to untreated- control (T1) a slight decrease in pH and increase in organic carbon content due to application of fertilizer and microbial consortia were also recorded. The residual available nitrogen in the soil after the harvesting of rice was not significantly influenced by the fertilizer levels and NPK consortia applied. The initial status of the experimental soil was low for available nitrogen (224 kg ha-1), medium for available phosphorus (24.5 kg ha-1) and high for available potassium (384 kg ha-1). Due to the addition of nitrogen through the fertilizer (90-120 kg ha-1) and less uptake of native nitrogen from the soil, a marginal increase in the residual available N in the soil from the initial level was observed in all treatments except the control (no fertilizer, no consortia). The residual status of available potassium was also not significantly influenced by the applied fertilizer doses and NPK consortia. A marginal decrease in the residual available K status after the harvesting of rice was observed in all treatments. A decrease was found in the control plot. A decrease in the K status (from the initial level) was observed less where a full dose of NPK fertilizers (100%) was applied with the NPK consortia. Ramlakshmi et al. [1], also observed slight reduction in soil pH and increase in organic carbon content in biofertilizer inoculated treatments as compared to the un-inoculated control soil [2].

Stabilization of microbial strains in long-lasting double emulsions as a new strategy for liquid biofertilizer formulation

The need for innovative biofertilizers has been increasing in recent years as a consequence of the loss of soil microbial biodiversity. In this context, symbiotic agriculture, which involves the application of beneficial microorganisms to the soil, is an emerging and promising reality. A key point is related to the choice of an adequate formulation strategy for the microbial systems to maintain their vitality and shelf-life. The use of a liquid formulation is an alternative to the traditional dry powder formulation, but currently a successful stabilization in a liquid biofertilizer is still not available. Therefore, the aim of this study is to stabilize different microorganisms by using a double emulsion to obtain a liquid product. The emulsion formulation and production conditions were optimized for strain encapsulation and emulsions were characterized by analysing droplet size distribution, concentration and vitality of microorganisms after the production process and stability of the product over time. A final product obtained by the mixture of the different emulsions was then obtained with the objective of delivering of a complete pool of beneficial microorganisms. The mixture was stable for 5 months at room temperature and microorganism concentration was maintained constant indicating that no antagonistic activity within the microbial consortium was present.

Enhancing phosphorus availability and growth of green gram (Vigna radiata) in acidic red and laterite soil through liquid formulations of native phosphate solubilizing bacteria

Phosphorus (P) availability in acid soils is often limited due to its fixation with various soil components. This leads to low use efficiency of P fertilizers and raises environmental concerns when they are used in excess. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the potential to enhance P availability by solubilizing insoluble P forms. In this study, twenty-five PSB strains were initially isolated from acidic red and laterite soils in eastern India. Among them, ten bacteria formed a clear halo zone in Pikovskaya agar plates. The P releasing ability of these bacteria from different insoluble P sources was evaluated. The PSB strain AJ14, identified as Enterobacter sp., exhibited high P releasing capacity from tri-calcium phosphate, rock phosphate, ferric phosphate, and aluminum phosphate. Additionally, the strain demonstrated the ability to release zinc and potassium from insoluble sources. To improve the shelf life and efficacy of the PSB strain, liquid biofertilizer formulations were developed using polymeric additives such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, and tween 20. The liquid formulations showed enhanced survival and viability of the PSB strain compared to solid carrier-based biofertilizers. In a pot culture experiment with green gram plants, the liquid formulations significantly increased soil available P, dry matter yield, and P uptake by plants compared to the control and solid carrier-based biofertilizer treatment. Mitscherlich equation parameters indicated the greater effectiveness of the liquid formulations. The results suggest that liquid formulations of the PSB strain AJ14 can improve P utilization efficiency and plant growth in acidic red and laterite soils.

Effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonolba (L.) Taub.

Effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonolba (L.) Taub.

Effect of Chicken Feather Hydrolysate on Growth of Spinach through Soil Amendment Method: Unraveling A Potential Liquid Biofertilizer

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of chicken feather hydrolysate for promoting the growth of Spinacia oleracea L., a commonly consumed leafy green vegetable. An earlier isolated and identified keratinolytic bacterial species Bacillus tropicus was utilized for the preparation of chicken feather hydrolysate through submerged fermentation. Minimal media which was supplemented with chicken feather was used for the preparation of hydrolysate. The bacterial strain degraded chicken feather within 4 days of incubation after which the feather hydrolysate was collected and tested to check plant growth promoting activity through the seed germination trials and greenhouse study. Upon characterization of feather hydrolysate, it was found that the hydrolysate was a cocktail of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) as well as other micro elements needed for plant growth. Four different concentrations of feather hydrolysate were employed for both the seed germination and greenhouse study which ranged from 25% (v/v), 30% (v/v), 35% (v/v) and 40% (v/v) including a control group (CN) which was not supplemented with feather hydrolysate. The hydrolysate supplementation brought about plant growth in all the four test concentrations with 35% (v/v) giving the highest result of 14 cm and 27.6 mg/g for tested parameters like plumule length and total chlorophyll content, respectively. The same concentration supported maximum seed germination and highest radicle extension for the germination studies as well. This study investigates the efficacy of chicken feather hydrolysate in promoting spinach growth, elucidating its potential as a fertilizer.

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer with or Without Vermicompost on Growth and Yield of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) Grown under Laterite Soil of West Bengal

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer with or Without Vermicompost on Growth and Yield of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) Grown under Laterite Soil of West Bengal

Effect of consortia liquid bio-fertilizer on yield, quality and economics of kharif soybean (Glycine max L.)

Effect of consortia liquid bio-fertilizer on yield, quality and economics of kharif soybean (Glycine max L.)

Cost-effective Phytohormone Extraction of Sargassum swartzii from the Persian Gulf Using Magnetic Ionic Liquid.

Algae extracts are utilized as biofertilizers instead of chemical ferti-lizers in agriculture. Further, algae are known to possess a high content of plant hormones, such as gibberellin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and brassinosteroids. The main objective of this study was to increase the extraction yield and simulta-neously extract hormones required for plant growth from Sargassum swartzii using Magnetic recoverable ionic liquid (IL). In this study, extraction was performed by acidic digestion with acetic acid and then alkaline digestion with potassium hydroxide. The results showed the ionic liquid effect in extraction yield by 266 percent. The extracted phytohormones were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. High levels of gibberellin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and brassinosteroids in improved algae extraction showed that seaweed extract could be used as environmentally friendly liquid bio-fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers and could play a crucial role in organic farming for sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the recoverability of ionic liquid eight times with negligible leaching proved the introduced procedure to be cost-effective. The reported procedure for algae extraction improved by using an acidic/primary ionic liquid environment. This procedure is economical because of the simple reusability of ionic liquid due to its magnetic features.

From waste to soil: Technosols made with construction and demolition waste as a nature-based solution for land reclamation

Population growth has driven an increased demand for solid construction materials, leading to higher amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Efficient strategies to manage this waste include reduction, reuse, and recycling. Technosols—soils engineered from recycled waste—can potentially help with environmental challenges. However, there is a critical need to explore the potential of Technosols constructed with C&DW for land reclamation, through the growth of native vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate this potential by studying two Brazilian native tree species (Guazuma ulmifolia and Piptadenia gonoacantha). Technosols were created using C&DW, with and without organic compost and a liquid biofertilizer. A soil health index (SHI) was applied to evaluate the soil quality regarding physical, chemical, and biological indicators of Technosols compared to a control soil (Ferralsol). The results showed that P. gonoacantha plants presented the same height and total biomass in all treatments, while G. ulmifolia plants exhibited greater height and total biomass when grown in Technosols. The enhanced plant development in the Technosols was primarily associated with higher cation exchangeable capacity and nutrients concentration in plant tissues. Technosols with added compost provided higher fertility and total organic carbon. Additionally, Technosols presented higher SHI (∼0.68) compared to control (∼0.38) for both studied species. Our experiment reveals that construction and demolition waste (C&DW) have significant potential to form healthy Technosols capable of supporting the growth of native Brazilian trees. This approach offers a promising alternative for addressing C&DW disposal challenges while serving as a nature-based solution for land reclamation.

Growth attributes of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare) as influenced by fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers

Growth attributes of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare) as influenced by fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers

Carrier Based Liquid Bioformulation of Salt-Tolerant Pgpr Bacillus Species for Prolonged Survivability

Salinity has emerged as one of the agricultural plants' most severe environmental stresses. Recently, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is being touted as a means of solving yield and environmental issues worldwide. However, multi-strain salt-tolerant rhizobacteria have a short shelf life due to their structural and cellular components, therefore, they need to be supplemented with a liquid carrier material to serve as a shelter and energy source for the bacteria for longer survival. The present study has been undertaken to develop a liquid biofertilizer formulation from multi-strain salt-tolerant PGPR – UPMR, UPMRE6, and a mixed strain of UPMRB9 and UPMRE6 using an optimum amount of cell protectants, namely glycerol (5 mM), trehalose (10 mM), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) at 1%. The shelf-life was assessed through measurements of optical density and bacterial biomass to determine the bacterial population and growth trend at monthly intervals. After three months of incubation, the optical density was the highest in the mixed strain treatment supplemented with trehalose with 1.3% and 2.2% increase relative to the UPMRE6 and UPMRB9, respectively, using the same cell protectants. Similarly, bacterial biomass production was the highest in the mixed strains treatment amended with trehalose (0.025 g/mL), with 13.64% and 38.89% increment followed by UPMRE6 and UPMRB9, respectively. Irrespective of the type of protectants used and PGPR type, the optical density and bacterial biomass generally decreased long incubation period. The results demonstrated that the use of 10 mM trehalose has the potential to extend the bacterial shelf life with the slightest cell loss.

Agroecological and economic assessment of organic crop rotation in Polissia zone

For the organic production of plant products on sod-podzolic soil, a biologized short-rotational grain rotation was put to study: sorghum–oats–oats– vicot–oats–barley. In conditions of shortage of manure, the optimization of the nutrition system is carried out due to the by-products of grain and leguminous crops, oil radish siderate, the use of foliar treatment of crops with preparations of biological origin (microfertilizer Avatar, biopreparation BiocomplexBTU and liquid biofertilizer Volynski humaty), including, in the background mineral fertilizers allowed in organic production (P40K60 — phosphorite flour and potassium sulfate). The goal of the task was to investigate the influence of the biological fertilization system on crop rotation productivity, grain quality, soil fertility, and the economic efficiency of crop cultivation. It was established that, on average, during the 2021–2023 research, the maximum grain yield indicators were obtained for all factors of influence: pea-oats — 2.25 t/ha, oats — 1.88, vetch-oats — 1.66 and barley — 1.61 t/ha, the total crop rotation productivity under these conditions was 2.28 t grain units. It was determined that the protein content of oat grains was 9.1–9.8%, barley — 10.8–11.7%, the protein content of flax seeds was at the level of 18.2–19.0%, vetch — 22.9–23.8%, the lowest indicators were noted in the control. It has been established that in biological crop rotation due to 50% saturation with leguminous crops against the background of straw and siderate, a deficit-free balance of humus and nutrients is achieved. Due to the by-products of crops, 175 kg of humus accumulates in the soil annually, which ensures a simple reproduction of its fertility, and the additional application of fertilizers of biological origin helps to increase the humus to 350 kg, which ensures an extended reproduction of the fertility of sod-podzolic soil. Nitrogen comes at the expense of oil radish siderate, with by-products of leguminous crops and is biologically fixed from the atmosphere. Removal of phosphorus and potassium by crops is compensated by the supply of these elements with straw and siderate. Due to the disparity of prices, the cultivation of grain crops was unprofitable under all factors of influence, the profitability of legumes was 19.6–64.4%. The level of profitability of the general crop rotation for the treatment of crops with drugs was 6.5–14.8%, and the costs incurred for the purchase and application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers did not pay off with the growth of crop yields.

Novel cereal bran based low-cost liquid medium for enhanced growth, multifunctional traits and shelf life of consortium biofertilizer containing Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp.

The present study was carried out to valorise cereal (rice and wheat) bran for the development of low-cost liquid consortium bioformulation. Different concentrations of bran-based liquid media formulations were evaluated for the growth of consortium biofertilizer cultures (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp.). Among the bran-based formulations, wheat bran-based formulation WB5, exhibited the highest viable cell of 10.68 ± 0.09 Log10 CFU/ml and 12.63 ± 0.04 Log10 CFU/ml for Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus subtilis whereas for Pseudomonas sp., rice bran based bioformulation RB5 recorded maximum viability (12.71 ± 0.05 Log10 CFU/ml) after 72 h of incubation. RB51RB1: 1:10 (Rice bran: distilled water)RB2: 1:10 (Rice bran: distilled water)RB3: 1:10 (Rice bran: distilled water)RB4: 1:10 (Rice bran: distilled water)RB5: 5:10 (Rice bran: distilled water)1 and WB52WB1: 1:10 (wheat bran: distilled water)WB2: 2:10 (wheat bran: distilled water)WB3: 3:10 (wheat bran: distilled water)WB4: 4:10 (wheat bran: distilled water)WB5: 5:10 (wheat bran: distilled water)2liquid formulations were further optimized for enhanced shelf life using 5, 10 and 15 mM of trehalose, 0.05 and 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose, and 0.5 and 1.0% glycerol. Following the peak growth at 72 h of incubation, a gradual decrease in the viable population of consortium biofertilizer cultures was observed in all the liquid formulations. The WB5 and RB5 formulations with 15 mM trehalose and 0.1% CMC, not only recorded significantly highest cell count of consortium biofertilizer cultures, but also maximally supported multi-functional traits i.e., phosphate and zinc solubilization, ammonia and IAA production up to 150 days. Further evaluation of seedling emergence and growth of wheat (PBW 826) under axenic conditions recorded WB5 amended with 15 mM trehalose-based consortium bioformulation to exhibit maximum emergence and growth of wheat seedlings. This low-cost liquid formulation can be used for large-scale biofertilizer production as a cost-effective liquid biofertilizer production technology.

Effect of different liquid biofertilizer on economics, yield & yield character

Effect of different liquid biofertilizer on economics, yield & yield character

Native Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia of Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus velezensis and Staphylococcus epidermidis Enhanced the Growth of Nutmeg Seedlings

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the three most distinct native liquid biofertilizer consortia on the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies. Study Design: Completely Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala and Block 10, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala. The pot culture experiment was conducted from February 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications along with control. Each treatment was applied with a combination of NPK fertilizers (50% and 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer, based on soil test data). One treatment was composed of only organic fertilizers. Results: The biofertilizer inoculation had a positive impact on the population of soil microbes, which indicates good soil health. Application of Staphylococcus equorum + Bacillus velezensis + Staphylococcus epidermidis (consortium – 2) along with 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers, recorded the highest plant growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem diameter, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and maximum number of secondary roots. In most of the treatments, nutmeg shoot growth was higher when compared to root growth. Conclusion: The present study indicated that inoculation of native liquid biofertilizer consortia enhanced the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies in Wayanad. Hence liquid biofertilizer consortia can be utilized for earlier establishment of nutmeg seedlings and thereby reduce the dependency on the quantity of chemical fertilizers.

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer and Variable Source of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Western U.P., India

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations with variable source of nutrients and biofertilizer. The treatment consisted of four sources of nutrients and five Biofertilizer levels were tested in RCBD (Factorial) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30 kg/ha) +2-ton Vermicompost ha-1 gave higher plant height (203.55 cm), LAI (2.929), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (66.65 g plant-1), and seed (1854), stover (7193) & biological (9047) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Similarly, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + Zn SB each @20 ml kg-1 seed treatment gave higher plant height (201.46 cm), LAI (2.702), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (64.98 g plant-1), and seed (1735), stover (6888) & biological (8623) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Thus, it may be concluded that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30kg/ha) + 2‑ton Vermicompost/ha +Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + ZnSB each @ 20 ml/kg Seed treatment) found economical in obtaining higher growth and yield of mustard.

A novel biochar-augmented enzymatic process for conversion of food waste to biofertilizers: Planting trial with leafy vegetable

The present study developed a novel biochar-augmented enzymatic approach for fast conversion of food waste to solid and liquid biofertilizers. By augmented with 10 % of biochar and mediated with 5 % of food waste-derived hydrolytic enzymes mixture (i.e. fungal mash), 100 kg of food waste could be converted into 22.3 kg of solid biofertilizer with a water content of 30 % and 55.0 kg of liquid biofertilizer, which fulfilled Chinese national standards for solid and liquid organic biofertilizers, respectively. Field plantation results showed that the Pak Choi grown on food waste-derived biofertilizers was comparable with that on commercial ones, in terms of the vegetable productivity and nutrient contents. It was further revealed that the application of food waste-derived biofertilizers did not change soil chemical properties but enriched microbial diversity. This study clearly indicated that the biochar-augmented enzymatic approach for food waste conversion to biofertilizers was technically feasible and economically viable towards circular agriculture economy.

Impact of feldspar and liquid Bio-fertilizer on fruit quantity and quality of olive trees Picual cv.

The present investigation was carried out in two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023) on eight-year-old olive trees “Picual” cv., planted at 4×6m apart around (420 trees / Fed). Trees irrigated with drip irrigation system, at a private orchard. The experiment included 3 rates of Feldspar as source of naturel potassium at 2, 4, and 6 kg/ tree and potassium dissolving bacteria as liquid Bio-fertilizers supplemented (25 ml) at two or three times to investigate the yield and fruit quality of Picual olive trees. Data indicated that the yield of Picual olive trees fertilized with feldspar and liquid Bio-fertilizer increase to 70% over control. Picual olive trees treated with (4 kg Feldspar + 25 ml liquid Bio-fertilizer at three doses) achieved the highest increase in the yield for the both seasons and also gave the highest fruit weight, volume and fruit flesh/stone ratio of olive trees Picual cv. Concerning leaf nitrogen percentage (N%) The highest percentage of N% for the both years was recorded by treatment (6 kg Feldspar + 25 ml liquid Bio-fertilizer at three doses). With respect to leaf phosphor and potassium percentage, it could be seen that most treatments gave more or less results similar to the control.

Field Test of Cyanobacteria as Biofertilizer for the Cultivation of Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Plant

Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, Protein and essential Vitamins and Minerals such Vitamins B and E, Calcium and Iron, as well as fiber. Wheat is an important cereal crop in achieving global Food security. It is cultivated worldwide and is second highest in production. Wheat production is affected mainly by biotic and abiotic stresses all over the world. Maximum yield of wheat can be attained over balanced consumption of all plant nutrient resources. In recent past due to increased cost of chemical fertilizer and with moto of tumbling environmental pollution, creation of amplified awareness on the use of organic sources with bio-fertilizers which are the sources of macro, micro and secondary nutrients to endure both the soil fertility and productivity. The combined nutrient supply contemplates to collective use of inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrient and bio-fertilizers for crop productivity apart from keeping up inspiring soil health. Since past few years, bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter, PSB, (Phosphate solubilizing bacteria). Azospirillum and liquid bio-fertilizers have shown fabulous potential to improve yield of wheat as these are eco-friendly and low-cost agriculture inputs. Managing Nitrogen inputs in wheat production systems is a significant issue in order to attain maximum profitable production, and minimum negative environmental influence. Wheat production can be enhanced to two to three fold by implementing the cyanobacteria based bio fertilizer. Current study indicates a boost in crop growth, height, thickness of stem, increase in number of grain pods and quantity.