Effect of Biofertilizers on Growth and Biochemical Characteristics of Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) under Different Levels of Salinity

Abstract

The effect of Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum lipoferum on tall fescue was studied by factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with 4, 6, 8 and 12 dS.m-1 salinity and distilled water as control. Results showed that the highest and the lowest seedling emergence were observed in Azospirillum and control (without any salinity or inoculation) treatments. At tenth week, the highest values of fresh and dry clipping weights were obtained by Azospirillum plus 6 and 8dS.m-1, respectively. The highest number of leaves was observed in Azotobacter treatment without salinity and the highest chlorophyll by Azotobacter plus salinity 12 dS.m-1. At fifteenth week, the highest amount of fresh clipping weight was obtained from 4 and 0 dS/m plus Azospirillum. The highest dry clipping weight was produced by 4dS.m-1 salinity without inoculation and 12dS.m-1 plus Azotobacter. The highest number of leaves was obtained from Zzospirillum without salinity. The highest amount of phosphorus was observed in Azospirillum treatment with 0 dS.m-1 salinity. Control treatment showed the highest potassium amount. Azotobacter plus 8 dS.m-1 had the highest nitrogen amount whereas Azospirillum plus 12dS.m-1 showed the highest sodium amount. The highest proline amount was observed in 12dS.m-1 salinity without inoculation. According to the above results, inoculation of tall fescue seeds with Azotobacter and Azospirillum could reduce the effects of salinity stress on growth and biochemical properties of the plant, and each bacteria affected the improvement of some characteristics under stress conditions.

Keywords

• Azospirillum
• Azotobacter
• Chlorophyll
• Clipping
• Proline