Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on coriander (Coriandrum sativum) growth and yield under semi-arid condition of India

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of selected plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) towards enhancement of growth and yield of coriander crop (Coriandrum sativum L. cv Acr-1) under semi-arid condition in India. Six PGPR isolates showing in-vitro indole acetic acid production and tricalcium phosphate solubilization were the prime targets. These rhizobacterial isolates were evaluated for their ability to promote growth and yield of coriander under open field conditions. Highest seedling vigour index was recorded for B. aerophilus Cor-15 (1178.50) followed by B. megaterium (1125.20) and minimum was observed with control. The maximum total chlorophyll content was assayed with B. subtilis NRCSS-I which was 1.38 mg/g f wt and 1.30 mg/g f wt at 45 and 90 DAS respectively. The highest Pox activity was recorded with B. megaterium ISB28 (4.31 IU/min/g) in coriander shoot tissues at 90 DAS followed by B. aerophilus cor-15. At harvest stage, maximum plant height was recorded with B. aerophilus Cor-15 (84.36cm) which was at par with B. megaterium (82.90 cm). Coriander seed yield ranged from 1128.80 to 1650.94 kg/ha and the maximum seed yield of 1650.94 kg/ha was recorded with B. aerophilus Cor-15 being at par with B. subtilis strains and the minimum in control. Maximum essential oil yield was recorded with B. megaterium ISB-28 (5.86 l/ha) followed by B. aerophilus Cor-15 (4.64 l/ha) and least was observed with control (3.09 l/ha).