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ThesisItem Embargo Integrated nutrient management in forage Sorghum with the application of liquid biofertilizers(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Jaspreet Kaur; Dr. Gulab PandoveForages are the foundation upon which the rumen-healthy livestock diets are formulated. Therefore, amelioration of forage quality via enhanced agronomic techniques, such as Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), is imperative.Thus, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management on forage Sorghum with the application of liquid biofertilizers on the yield and quality attributes. A total of 30 forage Sorghum plants were collected from different Sorghum fields of village Dhudike, Moga, Punjab, India and 17 bacterial endophytes were isolated based on distinct colony morphology. Subsequently, 15 isolates were selected on the basis of qualitative phosphate solubilisation assay and were further scrutinized for quantitative plant growth promoting traits such as IAA production, phosphate solubilization, production of gibberellic acid, ammonia and siderophore (catechol and hydroxamate), ACC deaminase activity, Zn solubilisation assay. Consequently, the potential isolate RPR_3 was selected on the basis of multiple PGP traits and identified by 16s RNA sequencing technique as Enterobacter sp. Furthermore, the identified bacterial culture Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn) along with the standard cultures of Burkholderia seminalis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, procured from the School of Organic farming, PAU were evaluated for the aforementioned PGP traits under abiotic stress conditions of salinity (0,50,100 and 150mM NaCl) and drought (0,5,10 and 15% PEG). All three PGPB were able to tolerate the stress conditions while optimum growth was recorded at 50mM NaCl and 5% PEG concentrations. Additionally, an in vitro experiment was carried out to study the efficacy of liquid bacterial inoculants (B. Seminalis, S. maltophilia and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn)) in enhancing salt (0,50,100 and 150mM NaCl) and drought (0,5 and 10% PEG) tolerance in forage Sorghum seeds. The findings revealed that the seeds at 50mM NaCl salt stress when bio-primed with the treatment T5: dual inoculation (B. seminalis and S. maltophilia), exhibited superior germination and maximum plant growth parameters namely, germination percentage (92.53%), germination speed (2.74), mean germination time (2.94), shoot length (13.55cm), root length (13.41cm), as well as fresh and dry shoot (0.066g and 0.013g) and root weights (0.132g and 0.014g) respectively. Furthermore, at 5% PEG induced drought stress, the bio-priming with treatment T5: dual inoculation (B. seminalis and S. maltophilia) improved the germination percentage (92.45%), germination speed (2.82), mean germination time (2.66), shoot length (14.46cm), root length (14.12cm), as well as fresh and dry shoot (0.123and 0.014g) and root weights (0.073and 0.014g) respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the degree of root colonization in forage Sorghum by liquid bacterial cultures under gnotobiotic conditions. The SEM micrographs demonstrated that Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn) exhibited the highest level of root surface colonization, followed by B. seminalis and S. maltophilia. Before commercializing PGPB-based products in the markets, it is essential to conduct thorough characterization and biosafety analysis .In this context, the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) B. seminalis, S. maltophilia, and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn), were evaluated for various bio safety tests such as E.coli sensitivity assay, ecotoxicity test in earthworms and pathogenitcity test on Albino mice. Furthermore, sheep blood agar biochemical assay was also performed and all the tests displayed negative results for the three PGPB thereby characterizing them as potentially non-pathogenic. Field experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, and School of Organic Farming, IFS, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2022. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design, encompassing a total of 11 treatment combinations involving liquid bacterial inoculants (S. maltophilia, B. seminalis, and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn)) at 100% and 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), with three replications. Notably, the treatment T11: 75% RDF + dual inoculation (B. seminalis + S. maltophilia), exhibited superior growth, yield and quality attributes such as emergence count, plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, leaf-to-stem ratio, leaf breadth, leaf length, dry matter accumulation per plant, total sugars, ash content, crude protein content, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Whereas, a significant decrease in acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and a noteworthy reduction in total phenols was observed. In the pooled analysis of green fodder and dry matter yield at both the locations, the treatment T11 demonstrated a 10.23% and 15.79% increment as compared to the control (T1).The liquid bacterial inoculants ameliorated the physicochemical properties of the soil (pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content) and also enhanced the nutritional status (N,P,K). Furthermore, the treatment T11 also demonstrated increased root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Hence, it can be inferred that liquid bacterial inoculants is a promising strategy for enhancing the productivity and quality of forage Sorghum.ThesisItem Embargo Production of fermented low FODMAP Type- II sourdough bread(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Jain, Kritika; Dr Richa AroraFermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) are a group of fermentable carbohydrates, sugars and alcohols found in various foods. FODMAPs are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and move to the large intestine wherein intestinal microflora ferment them, thereby, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and gases which cause abdominal pain and bloating. These contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and negatively impact human health. In this context, sourdough technology can be exploited to reduce the FODMAP content in the food. The present study was carried out on the standardization of two fermentation parameters i.e. sourdough inoculum volume (v/v) and fermentation time (h) for the production of low FODMAP type II sourdough bread (SDB) using Meyerozyma guilliermondii YB1 (OQ832654) whereas baker’s yeast bread (BYB) was used as reference. Optimised conditions were found to be sourdough inoculum volume (40 % v/v) and fermentation time (4 h). The physio-chemical and organoleptic properties of bread prepared under optimised conditions were analysed for a storage period of 5 days. The physio-chemical properties observed were pH (4.49), total titrable acidity (6.5 mL of 0.1 N NaOH used to reach the pH of 8.5), total sugars (0.22 %), reducing sugars (0.034 %), total antioxidant activity (55.04 % ), phytic acid (64.35 g/mL) for freshly prepared SDB. The textural properties for freshly prepared SDB observed were hardness (453.87 g), cohesiveness (0.812 g.sec), resilience (0.517 mm), springiness (0.960 mm), chewiness (336.32 g), gumminess (313.69 g) and adhesiveness (0.353 g.sec). Additionally, color analysis was conducted for both the crust L*(74.92), a* (-0.24) and b* (12.38) and crumb L* (72.91), a*(1.24) and b* (11.47) of SDB. A total of 27 compounds were detected with GC-MS in SDB. Ethanol, pentanoic acid, ethyl acetate, 2- pentanone and 1, 3-butanediol are the main volatile compounds which enhance the aroma and shelf life of SDB. SDB had a higher preference score in appearance (7), flavor (8), mouth feel (8) and overall acceptability. This study highlights the potential of yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii YB1 in producing low FODMAP type II sourdough bread.ThesisItem Embargo Brewed vinegar production using different varieties of rice(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Harmandeep Kaur; Dr. Gurvinder Singh KocherBrewed vinegar production from black rice was produced by enzymatic saccharification of grounded rice followed by ethanolic fermentation and acetic acid fermentation (both batch and semicontinuous). Enzymatic saccharification of black rice was carried out using optimized amount of commercial amylases. Optimization of enzymatic saccharification parameters (carried out by RSM) revealed that at 45°C with 5.5 pH, the saccharified starch showed brix of 13.5°B with 10.937 g/100ml and 8.602 g/100ml reducing sugars, respectively. The Saccharification validation of 1L based on optimized parameters showed a maximum of 14.2°B, 13.61 g/100ml total sugars and 11.35 g/100ml reducing sugars. The ethanolic fermentation of hydrolyzed starch was carried using Saccharomyces cerevisiae KY069279 under optimized parameters of Brix and inoculum concentration (carried out using RSM). The solutions revealed that 8% inoculum concentration alongwith 13.167°B produces 4.362% ethanol content with 0 g/100ml residual sugars and 1.399 mg/100ml total phenols. The validation of ethanolic fermentation led to 6.89 % v/v ethanol with fermentation efficiency of 96.12% and 0.49 g/g of ethanol productivity. Following ethanol production, the acetic acid fermentation was carried out by two methods- batch and semicontinuous using indigenous acetic acid bacteria, Acetobacter aceti AC1. The Batch fermented vinegar showed 4.23% w/v acidity with 52.9% fermentation efficiency and 0.69 g/g acetic acid productivity. The produced rice vinegar was found to be rich in antioxidants with 77.8% DPPH scavenging activity at 78.48μM concentration. The Semicontinuous fermentation was executed by adsorbing inoculum on wood shavings for 15 h in plastic fermenter with three different packing lengths that lead to maximum of 3.83% acidity (3/4th length) with 57.3% fermentation efficiency. The rice vinegar showed 67.12% of antioxidant activity at 61.07μM concentration. Among both type of vinegars, batch vinegar was found to of standard quality in terms of sensory evaluation by the panelists.ThesisItem Embargo Optimization of Tulsi essential oil based chitosan coating for shelf life extension of fresh cut guava(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Tamanna; Dr. PoojaTulsi essential oil extracted from leaves of Ocimum gratissimum characterized by GCMS analysis revealed eugenol and borneol as major volatile compounds present in it. A broad band between 3400 cm-1 and 3200 cm-1 found by FTIR analysis showed the presence of OH-group, confirming that presence of phenolic groups in it. Tulsi essential oil was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against Bacillus sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sp. and E. coli. Maximum zone of inhibition was observed against Listeria monocytogenes (24.0 ± 0.12 mm) followed by E. coli (22.0 ± 0.15 mm). The fresh cut guava was pre-treated with 100 ppm of sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 minutes at 10˚C ± 1°C followed by chitosan coating (1% w/v). Characterization of chitosan coating by FTIR and rheology studies analysis revealed amide and phenolic groups in it and its viscosity (η) decreased as shear rate (γ̇) increased, which is indicative of the non-Newtonian fluid type shear-thinning behaviour. Further, optimization of Tulsi essential oil concentration in chitosan coating was performed for enhancement of shelf life of fresh cut guava. Four different concentrations (0.5-2.0% v/v) of Tulsi essential oil in chitosan coating were applied over fresh cut guava by dipping method. Fresh cut guava coated with 1.5% and 2.0% (v/v) Tulsi essential oil based chitosan coating revealed at par results with non-significant differences for microbial inhibition even after the storage period of 15 days. Hence, 1.5% Tulsi essential oil concentration has been selected as optimized concentration for developing Tulsi essential oil based chitosan coating for fresh cut guava. Characterization of Tulsi essential oil based chitosan coating revealed that addition of Tulsi essential oil resulted in increased volatile compounds in the coating thereby enhancing its antimicrobial activity. Shelf life studies of fresh cut guava coated with Tulsi essential oil based chitosan coating at 5kg scale revealed the inhibition of microorganisms till 15th day of storage with microbial count 3.70± 0.03 log cfu/g total plate count, 2.85±0.17 log cfu/g total coliforms and 2.71±0.10 log cfu/g yeasts & moulds count that were under permissible limits according to FSSAI and FDA standards with a good sensorial score and physicochemical characteristics. However, uncoated and only chitosan coated fresh cut guava have a shelf life of 5-6 days and 12 days, respectively after which the microbial limits exceed the acceptable limits along with deterioration in physicochemical parameters.ThesisItem Embargo Bioprocessing of cereal bran for production of low-cost liquid consortium biofertilizer(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Akashdeep; Dr. Suman KumariThe present study was carried out to valorize rice and wheat bran for the development of low-cost liquid consortium biofertilizer (already recommended as charcoal based bioformulation by PAU, Ludhiana). Different media formulations (1:10, 2:10, 3:10, 4:10 and 5:10) of rice/wheat bran with distilled water were evaluated for growth of consortium biofertilizer cultures (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp.). The viable cell count gradually enhanced with the increasing substrate concentration, maximum being with 5:10 for both rice (RB5) and wheat bran (WB5). Among bran based bioformulations, wheat bran 5:10 (WB5) exhibited highest viable cell population for Azotobacter chroococcum (10.68±0.09 Log10 CFU/ml) and Bacillus subtilis (12.63±0.04 Log10 CFU/ml) whereas for Pseudomonas sp. rice bran recorded maximum viability of 12.71±0.05 Log10 CFU/ml after 72 hours of incubation. As RB5 and WB5 liquid formulations presented appreciable growth of all consortium cultures, they were further optimized for enhancement of shelf life using 5, 10 and 15mM trehalose, 0.05 and 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and 0.5 and 1% glycerol. Consortium cultures inoculated in standard nutrient broth and charcoal based consortium biofertilizer (recommended by PAU) were also maintained for comparison. Following the peak growth at 72 hours of incubation, a gradual decrease in viable population of consortium biofertilizer cultures was observed in all the liquid bioformulations. The bran based bioformulations (RB5 and WB5) supplemented with 1% glycerol, 0.1% CMC, 10 and 15mM trehalose were noticed to support the shelf life of 150 days for one or more consortium bacterial cultures. The WB5 and RB5 bioformulations with 15mM trehalose and 0.1% CMC, not only recorded significantly highest cell count, but also supported multi-functional traits (phosphate and zinc solubilization, ammonia and IAA production) for 150 days. So, these bioformulations (WB5 and RB5 amended with 15mM trehalose and 0.1% CMC) along with charcoal-based consortium biofertilizer recommended by PAU, were further assessed for seedling emergence and growth of wheat (PBW826) under axenic conditions. Results revealed that these bioformulations were found suitable for seedling emergence and growth of wheat, where RB5 and WB5 with 15mM trehalose exhibited maximum emergence and growth of wheat seedlings. It can be deciphered that RB5 and WB5 amended with 15mM trehalose can be further used as a potential media formulation to develop a low-cost liquid consortium biofertilizer on the condition of their equivalent performance under pot and field evaluation for different crops.ThesisItem Embargo Pretreatment studies on corn cobs using greensolvents and fungal lignolytic enzymes(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Reddy, Kandukuri Thanuja; Dr. Gurvinder Singh KocherThe purpose of the current study was to standardize and evaluate an effective procedure particularly among green solvents (Acetic acid @40%; H2O2-Acetic acid mixture 1:1 ratio) and biological methods for pretreating corn cobs followed by their saccharification. The proximate analysis of the grounded and dried maize cobs(500µ) revealed their biochemical composition as cellulose (36%), hemicellulose (28.6%), lignin (10.4%), and ash (2.1%). Different concentrations of corn cobs (5,10 & 15 % w/v) were subjected to acetic acid @40% and HPAC pretreatments. Among 5-15%(w/v) samples of 40% acetic acid pretreatment and HPAC pretreatment, 10%(w/v) sample showed a better delignification of 82.1% along with higher availability of cellulose and hemicellulose contents (34.5% and 28.5%, respectively) and 5%(w/v) sample resulted in higher delignification of 84.8% along with higher availability of cellulose and hemicellulose contents (30.5% and 23%), respectively. For biological pretreatment of corn stover, a two membered fungal consortium of strains viz. Pleurotus florida PAU22-01 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium MTCC787, already screened for ligninolytic enzyme production in our laboratory, was used with corn cobs as substrate on lignin modifying enzyme (LME)- basal medium (LBM). It was observed that maximum enzyme activity (U/ml) was present on 10th day as 39.9, 46.4 and 58.2 for laccase, LiP and MnP, respectively. The ligninolytic enzyme production was scaled upto 3000ml and the crude extract was concentrated to 200 ml having enzyme activities (U/ml) of 116.53, 121.6 and 88.94 for Lacc, LiP and MnP enzymes, respectively which was partially purified by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) technique. The pretreatment of corn cobs (1.25g, 2.5g and 5g) using partially purified enzyme (8 ml enzyme volume in a final mixture of 30 ml) resulted in maximum delignification of 78.4% for 2.5 g pretreated sample with increase in cellulose availability from 28.65% (untreated) to 31.1% (pretreated) with corresponding total sugars, reducing sugars and xyloses of 44.9, 19.3 and 12.3 mg/gds, respectively without formation of furfurals. Among all the above mentioned pretreatments, HPAC pretreatment was found to be most efficient. The saccharification of pretreated (organosolv and biological) corn cobs at different concentrations (1.0-2.5g) with commercial cellulase loading of 30 FPU/gds, resulted in maximum release of reducing sugars at 2g percent of pretreated corn cobs. Correspondingly, the saccharification efficiencies of 71.4% and 97.1% [2.0g @72 h] were recorded for 40% acetic acid and biological pretreatments, respectively.ThesisItem Restricted Application of microbial decomposer for composting of fruit, vegetable and foliar waste(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Gurleen Kaur; Dr. Priya KatyalContinuous increase in human population and industrialization has led to enormous production of domestic and industrial waste. Though different methods are available for treatment of waste but Composting, a regulated process to transform waste into wealth, is an environment friendly option. The present study was aimed to analyse the utility of microbial consortium for degradation of fruit/vegetable waste (FVW) and leaf waste (LW) into compost and to evaluate the maturity parameters of finished compost. Composting was carried out by using four microbial treatments namely fungal consortium, fungal cum bacterial consortium and two commercial preparations namely Waste Decomposer and ICAR Decomposer. Initially, aerated bins were used for composting of above mentioned substrate (FVW: LW) in the ratio : 1:1 (Set I), 2:1 (Set II) and 1:2 (Set III) @ 3 kg dry weight of substrate and 15% inoculum per bin with an uninoculated control per set. Samples were tested for physicochemical properties and microbial count every two weeks, with maturity parameters examined at end of composting. Germination index (GI) in all treatments was below 80, except for the fungal cum bacterial consortium that had a GI >80%. Finished compost of bins experiment was having C: N ratio in the range of 29.95-67.32 indicating incomplete degradation of substrates because of absence of thermophilic phase. To improve the composting process, pit composting was carried out at Soil Research Farm using pits of 1.5 m X 1.2 m X 0.3 m dimensions. Maturity parameters of finished compost prepared from all three substrates combinations using different microbial consortium revealed that Set-1 inoculated with ICAR decomposer and Set-2 inoculated with fungal cum bacterial consortium had the most suitable compost characteristics. Set I has pH of 7.64, electrical conductivity - 1.61 dSm-1, moisture - 48.56%, carbon - 30.77%, nitrogen - 1.87%, phosphorus - 0.45%, potassium - 2.01%, C:N ratio - 16.45, volatile solids - 55.32%, ash - 44.21% and GI - 131.43. Corresponding values for Set-II was 7.87, 1.86 dSm-1, 51.62%, 26.38%, 1.49%, 0.39%, 2.91%, 17.70, 39.28%, 61.39% and 130.96, respectively.ThesisItem Restricted Production of bioenzymes from organic wastes for enhancing biogas generation from paddy straw(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Harmandeep Kaur; Dr. Urmila Gupta PhutelaThe present study was aimed at production of bioenzymes from organic wastes for enhancing biogas generation from paddy straw. Four types of organic wastes viz. fruit waste (mosambi, unripened mango, orange, mix fruit pulp, pineapple and peach), vegetable waste (mix vegetable, potato+ pumpkin and cauliflower), leafy waste (moringa, neem and curry leaves) and lignocelluloytic waste (paddy straw, biodigested slurry, cattle dung of desi cow and cattle dung of jersey cow) were used for bioenzyme preparation. The bioenzymes produced were characterized for their pH ,total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, proteins and cellulolytic enzyme activities (endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β glucosidase). Maximum exoglucanase activity of 1.87 Uml-1 was found in cattle dung of jersey cow bioenzyme, whereas maximum endoglucanase and β glucosidase activities were observed in case of mosambi bioenzyme with 402.29 Uml-1 and 1490.50 Uml-1 respectively. Paddy straw was pretreated with 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% concentration of different bioenzymes. Maximum reduction of 21.5% total solids, 8.31% volatile solids, 42.2% hemicellulose, 15% cellulose and 39.2% lignin was observed in paddy straw pretreated with 10% mosambi bioenzyme. The pretreated paddy straw was used for biogas production in 2-litre capacity biogas digesters and amount of biogas was measured by water displacement method. Results indicates that maximum of 20.9% enhancement in biogas production was observed in 10% mosambi bioenzyme pretreated paddy straw. Thus bioenzyme can be prepared from any organic waste and exhibits cost effective and environment friendly biological pretreatment method for enhancing biogas generation from paddy straw.ThesisItem Open Access Evalution of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria As potemtial Biofertilizer For Broccoli ( Brassica Oleracea L.)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Sharma, Kavia; Jupinder KaurThe present study was carried out with the aim to develop a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial inoculant for improving the growth and yield of broccoli. A total of 24 bacteria were isolated from rhizosphere of broccoli collected from the fields of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and village Sangrur, Mansa, Barnala and Patiala. Biochemical characterization of these rhizobacterial isolates showed that most of these were oxidase, urease, indole, MR and catalase positive and were involved in starch hydrolysis and gelatin liquefaction whereas negative for citrate and VP test. These isolates were screened for multifarious plant growth-promoting traits viz. solubilization of phosphate and zinc, production of IAA, siderophore, ammonia, HCN and growth on nitrogen free medium. Out of 24 isolates, 17 isolates showed solubilization of phosphate on modified Pikovskaya agar with solubilization index ranging from 0.5-4.5 cm and 53.63-178.6 μg/ml in liquid medium. Eleven isolates showed solubilization of zinc oxide (solubilization index: 0.4-1.9 cm), five isolates showed solubilization of zinc carbonate (solubilization index: 0.3-1.2 cm) and zinc phosphate (solubilization index: 0.1-2.5 cm). Siderophore production was exhibited by fourteen isolates (0.3-1.4 cm). All the isolates were positive for auxin (without tryptophan: 2.04- 13.90 μg/ml; with tryptophan: 10.05-32.04 μg/ml) and ammonia production as well as ammonia excretion (1.803.65 μg/ml). The luxuriant growth on different nitrogen free medium was observed for all the isolates and higher HCN production was observed in three bacterial isolates. Out of these 24 isolates, two potential bacterial isolates RP4 and RP5 (which were named as CBF 2) were selected on the basis of PGP traits for evaluation of their potential to promote growth and yield of broccoli under pot as well as under field conditions. In green house experiment, these isolates when used synergistically showed a significant improvement in soil enzymatic activities (viz. dehydrogenase: 26.13 µg TPF formed h-1 g-1 of soil, alkaline phosphatase: 14.02 µg PNP formed h-1 g -1 of soil and urease: 370.80 µg urea hydrolysed formed h-1g -1 of soil) and plant growth parameters (plant height: 45.7 cm, root length: 6.3 cm, stem diameter: 3.9 cm, fresh weight of shoot :167.85 g, dry weight of shoot:35.70 g, number of leaves per plant: 26, days taken to visible curd:56 days, head compactness: 1.36 cm, number of heads/plant: 4 heads, mean head weight: 87 g and floret stalk length: 12.8 cm) over the control as well as other bioinoculants. The field evaluation of these bacterial isolates as consortium along with FYM and inorganic fertilizers was carried out using Palam samridhi variety of broccoli. The combined application of bacterial strains (RP4 and RP5) and FYM resulted in significantly higher soil microbial population and enzyme activities. Significantly higher available nitrogen (137.30 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (34.21 kg ha-1) and available potassium (170.15 kg ha-1) were also observed in treatment having FYM and bacterial inoculants (N75FYM+N25 + CBF 2). Significantly higher plant nutrient uptake of nitrogen (98.87 kg ha-1), phosphorus (24.84 kg ha-1), potassium (182.27 kg ha-1) was observed in (N75FYM+N25+ CBF 2) and higher uptake of micronutrients viz. zinc (75.5 mg/kg), iron (172.16 mg/kg) and manganese content (71.11 mg/kg) were found to be significantly higher in treatment (N100FYM+ CBF 2) having synergistic application of organic and bio-fertilizers. The various growth attributes of broccoli viz. plant height: 42.1 cm, root length: 11 cm, stem diameter: 4.9 cm, fresh weight of shoot: 214.20 g, dry weight of shoot:38.18 g, number of leaves per plant: 29, days taken to visible curd:44 days, head compactness: 1.11 cm, head yield: 153.15 q/acre, number of heads/plant: 6 heads, mean head weight: 88 g and floret stalk length: 12.8 cm was observed to be statistically higher in treatment T10 with combined application of FYM and bacterial isolates (N100FYM+ CBF 2). The study has led to the selection of a plant growth-promoting bacterial consortium as a potential bacterial inoculant for improving the growth, yield and nutrient content in broccoli.
