African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (9), pp. 989-995, September 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of effect of inoculation of Azospirillum on the yield of Setaria italica (L.)

K.V. Bhaskara Rao and P. B. B. N. Charyulu^*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur 515003, India.

*Corresponding Author’s E- mail: pbbnc@rediffmail.com.

Accepted 23 July, 2005

Inoculation of foxtail millet  (variety Lepakshi) with three strains of Azospirillum lipoferum either alone or in combination with nitrogen fertilizer (40 kg N ha^-1) increased the plant height, dry weight of shoot and root, and total N content of shoot, root and grain. The grain yield of the inoculated plants was significantly higher compared to the control plants. Both the panicle and the seed weight increased due to inoculation. Among  the inocula of A. lipoferum tested, Inoculum-2 (In-2) was found superior to the other two inocula. Further, seasonal (Kharif and Rabi) variations in growth and yield of the plants were also observed.

Key words: Azospirillum, effect, foxtail millet, fertilization, growth, inoculation, yield.