Effect of Fluchloralin on N fixation and growth of rhizobia and fluorescent pseudomonads in soya bean. (173)

Abstract

The effects of 48% active ingredient (ai) Fluchloralin [trade name: Basalin emulsifiable concentrate (EC)], a pre-emergent dinitroaniline herbicide, applied at 1000 g ai ha-1, on the root and shoot length, root and shoot dry weight, nodule number and dry weight, and shoot N content and nitrogenase activity in soya bean (cv. Pusa 22) was investigated in a pot experiment under greenhouse conditions. Seed bacterization was done separately using four rhizobial cultures, viz., SB 108, SB 243, SB 286, and SB 287, and with three strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), fluorescent Pseudomonas spp, PF I, PF II, and PF III. The treatments were applied singly or together in combination with Fluchloralin. Fluchloralin was not toxic at the recommended rate. Fluchloralin in combination with the rhizobial culture and (or) the PGPRs produced better root and shoot length and dry weight, nodule number and dry weight, and total shoot N content and nitrogenese activity compared to the inoculated but no pesticide treatment and the uninoculated control.