In vivo Efficacy of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria on Available Zinc Content, Growth and Yield Attributes of Paddy (Oryza sativa)

The experiment was aimed at assessing the effect of zinc solubilizing isolates on the available zinc content, growth and yield attributes of paddy. The study was conducted using a randomized block design at the experimental plots of Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur. The isolates namely MZSB 6 and MZSB 8 were tested for in vitro solubilization of the zinc and later brought under field condition. 25-day-old paddy seedlings were dipped in lignite based biofertilizer slurry and transplanted according to treatments. Data on growth and yield parameters of paddy were taken at regular intervals of 30 DAT, 60 DAT and 90 DAT and available plant zinc content were estimated using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Growth and yield parameters of paddy showed a significant increase in the treatment that received combination of MZSB 6, MZSB 8 and 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as compared to control and other treatments. Results also showed the highest available zinc of 46.18 mg kg-1 of plant estimated using the ICP-MS. Thus, the results revealed that the combination of both isolates with 75% RDF was found to be efficient in enhancing growth and yield of paddy.