Effect of drought tolerant strains of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of Rabi sorghum

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive rabi seasons from 2013–14 to 2015–16 in randomized block design with three replications at three different locations of Maharashtra viz., Zonal Agricultural Research Station of Solapur, Agricultural Research Station of Mohol and Chas under the jurisdiction of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri to evaluate the effect of drought tolerant phosphate solubilizing bacterial strain on growth, yield and ‘p’ uptake of rabi sorghum under dryland condition. Among different treatments, seed inoculation with MPKV PSB strain (Acc. No.1/2012) coupled with 100% recommended N and 75% recommended P2O5 recorded highest plant height (199.90 cm), grain yield (18.13 q/ha), stover yield (62.96 q/ha), 1000 grain weight (28.86 g), phosphorous uptake (14.14 kg/ha), benefit: cost ratio (3.17) and PSB count (4.67 x 104) at flowering stage. The results indicated the saving of 25% of chemical phosphatic fertilizer for rabi sorghum under dryland conditions.