Response of summer mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) to Rhizobium and PGPR inoculation under different planting methods

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the response
of summer mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) to Rhizobium and PGPR under different planting methods.
The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The
treatments consisted of two planting methods viz., Flat planting & Furrow irrigated raised bed
planting (FIRB) and four bio-fertilizer treatments viz., uninoculated control, Rhizobium inoculation,
PGPR inoculation and Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation. Planting methods did not affect the growth
as well as yield of summer mung significantly. The seed yield increased with the inoculation of biofertilizers,
however combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR produced significantly higher
seed yield over all the treatments. The interaction between planting methods and bio-fertilizers was
not significant. Among the bio-fertilizer treatments,the net returns of combined inoculation was
maximum. The B:C ratio under Rhizobium + PGPR, Rhizobium inoculation and PGPR inoculation
were 2.67, 2.18 and 2.04, respectively. The combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR can be
opted for flat/bed planted summer mung for getting maximum profitability while maintaining the
soil health.