Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: October-December | Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 31-37
Influence of Maize Seed Inoculation with Microbial Bio Fertilizers on Morphological and Physiological Parameters of Maize
Karen Nyaera1, Tuarira A. Mtaita2, Moses Mutetwa3, Thomas Masaka4
1Undergraduate Student, 2Senior Lecturer and Head Department of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, 3Postgraduate Africa University Alumni, 4Assistant Lab Technician Africa University,
Africa University, Department of Agriculture & Natural Sciences, College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Box 1320, Mutare - Zimbabwe
Corresponding Author: Moses Mutetwa; mosleymute@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The exploit of efficient beneficial microorganisms opens up a novel prospect for enhanced crop productivity above and beyond sustaining soil health. At present, the growing demand for sustainable agriculture is driving the use of bio fertilizers composed of beneficial microorganisms. Two separate pot experiments on effect of maize seed inoculation by bio fertilizers (Trichoderma and Bacillus) at varying levels of concentration on plant growth were conducted. Treatments, T0g (Control), T1g (50%), T2g (100%), T4g (200%) and T6g (300%) were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Seed treatments significantly (P<0.05) affected the co-efficient of variation for plant height, root length, fresh weight and dry weight for the bio fertilizers when compared to the control treatment. Effect of both bio fertilizers was not significant (P>0.05) on number of leaves. For Bacillus based bio fertilizer, T2g gave the best results. T1g obtained maximum root length (42.3cm). The advanced plant growth was as a result of significant (P<0.05) increase of N and P nutrient uptake due to application of bio fertilizers.
Keywords: Bio fertilizer, microorganisms, Trichoderma, Bacillus, inoculation, seed, maize.