Effect of Azophos (50:50), a biofertilizer formulation on cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L. Maton) in primary nursery

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soil to determine the influence of Azospirillum, Azotobacter, phosphobacteria (PSB), azophos (50:50) either individually or in combination, on growth and development of cardamom.Rate of germination and growth attributes such as shoot length, root length, number of leaves, chlorophyll pigments,plant fresh and dry weight were quantified. The results revealed that in general, earliness of germination was recorded in all biofertilizer treatments and germination percentage was higher in combined inoculation of Azospirillum, Azotobacter and phosphobacteria. This treatment improved shoot length, root length, number of leaves, plant biomass and chlorophyll content. Increment in growth attributes was lower in azophos (50:50) treatment in comparison with combined inoculation of Azotobacter, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. However, growth attributes were on par when azophos (50:50) was combined with Azotobacter with that of Azospirillum, Azotobacter, phosphobacteria combinations.