Improving Growth and Nutrient Quality of Mustard Varieties Through Rhizobacterial Inoculation

The excessive feeding of chemical fertilizers into the soil has affected its fertility. The continued use of these fertilizers can impose serious environmental hazards on mankind. Biofertilizers are an alternative strategy and could improve the growth of different crops. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design to understand the effect of soil-borne rhizospheric bacteria ( Bradyrhizobium japonicum & Burkholderia cepacia ) on morphology, physiology, yield, antioxidants activity and protein content of four Mustard ( Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) varieties. Both the rhizospheric bacteria were cultured in LB (Luria-Bertani) broth to prepare the bacterial suspension. A single pot was inoculated with 25 ml of the bacterial suspension. The combined and individual treatments of both bacteria resulted in an increase in the plant heights, shoot and root lengths, shoot and root fresh weights, shoot and root dry weights and leaf yield, compared to control. The number of pods, weight of 1000 seeds, pod length and number of seeds per pod was also enhanced with these bacterial treatments. The B. japonicum treatment uplifted the total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and relative water content in mustard varieties. The treatment of B. cepacia raised the phenolic content, total soluble protein, and the CAT, and POD activity in Mustard plants. The results revealed that the use of B. japonicum and B. cepacia could be a better choice for plant breeders as a biofertilizer. However, the effects could vary depending upon the type of crops, as well as the varieties of the same crop.