Effect of combined inoculation of Rhizobium and antagonistic bacteria on nodulation and growth of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

The experiment was conducted to study the efficiency of the peat based combined inoculant of Rhizobium (CoG 15, CRM 11 and CRM 8) and antagonistic bacteria (AB 3, AB 5 and AB 9) on the growth, nodulation and grain yield of green gram variety Co 3 under pot culture condition. A significant increase was noticed in Rhizobium and antagonistic bacterial combinations over the Rhizobium alone. Maximum number of nodules (30 No./pl) and nodule dry weight (30.27 mg/pl) was recorded by CoG 15 with antagonistic bacteria (AB 3) combinations. The total nitrogen and phosphorus content were also enhanced due to the combined effect of these organisms. More grain yield was recorded due to inoculation with Rhizobium alone (14.28 to 24.02%) or in combination with antagonistic bacteria (28.57 to 49.35%)