Bio-Priming with Compatible Rhizospheric Microbes Enhances Growth and Micronutrient Uptake of Red Cabbage

oleh: Deepranjan Sarkar, Amitava Rakshit, Hanuman Prasad Parewa, Subhan Danish, Saleh Alfarraj, Rahul Datta

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-04-01

Deskripsi

Red cabbage is known as the millennium’s functional food, which has a lot of importance in our diet because of the health-promoting ingredients present in it. The current study investigated the synergistic relationship of rhizospheric-competent microbial agents (<i>Trichoderma harzianum</i>, <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i>, and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>) in modulating the performance of red cabbage under the field conditions of Middle Gangetic Plains, India. Growth parameters were studied at three developmental stages, viz., pre-cupping, early head formation, and maturity. Our results suggested that the dual application of <i>T</i>. <i>harzianum</i> + <i>P</i>. <i>fluorescens</i> along with the 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) increased the number of leaves (24.6), leaf area (537.2 cm<sup>2</sup>), root length (19.8 cm), and micronutrient uptake (Fe, Mn, and Cu) by head of the crop, whereas the co-inoculation of <i>P</i>. <i>fluorescens</i> and <i>B</i>. <i>subtilis</i> along with 75% RDF enhanced plant spread (39.0 cm), earliness (95.2 days), and Zn uptake. Maximum plant height (28.7 cm) and chlorophyll (SPAD, 77.3) were recorded in 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) and the combination of <i>T</i>. <i>harzianum</i> + <i>B</i>. <i>subtilis</i> along with 75% RDF, respectively. Interestingly, consortium (<i>T</i>. <i>harzianum</i> + <i>P</i>. <i>fluorescens</i>) bio-primed plants recorded about 14% higher root length in comparison to plants receiving sole fertilizers. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship of Fe and Mn uptake with chlorophyll (SPAD) and between Zn uptake and the earliness of the crop. The present study indicated that seedling bio-priming with the dual consortium of efficient bio-agents is a viable strategy to lessen our dependence on chemical fertilizers for improving red cabbage production.