Exploring Microbial Wealth for Pomegranate Nutrition : Effect of different microbial inoculants on soil properties, nutrient acquisition and growth of pomegranate

Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) application through soil inoculation enhanced growth, biomass production and nutrient uptake of pomegranate. Further evaluation of microbial inoculants viz. Gluconaetobacter diazotrophicus, Pseudomonas striata, Trichoderma viride, P. fluorescens, Azospirillum brasilense, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) isolated from pomegranate and cotton indicated that inoculation with T. viride recorded highest content of available N, P and DTPA extractable Zn content of the soil. This was followed by A. brasilense and G. diazotrophicus inoculation for nitrogen content while P. fluorescence and P. striata for phosphorus content. Among various microbial inoculants, P. fluorescence was found efficient in promoting photosynthesis and transpiration rate of the plant. Dual inoculation with N2-fixing A. brasilense and P-solubilizing P. striata was most effective in promoting uptake of most of the major and micronutrients through beneficial interaction. A significant improvement in plant height and shoot biomass was also recorded in this treatment while root biomass was highest with P. striata inoculation.