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Received: 20th Nov-2013 Revised: 25th Nov -2013 Accepted: 29th Nov-2013
Research article
INVESTIGATION OF BIOFERTILIZERS INFLUENCE ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH, FLOWER
QUALITY, BULB YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN GLADIOLUS (GLADIOLUS
GRANDIFLORUS L.)
Ahmad Ali*, Tahir mehmood*, Rashid Hussain*, Ajmal Bashir*, SajjadRaza*** Najam-ud-Din* and Adeel
Ahmad**
*Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040) Pakistan
**Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040) Pakistan
***Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040) Pakistan
Corresponding author’s e-mail*: ahmadhort87@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: The study was aimed to assess the effect of different bio-fertilizer on growth and flower quality
characteristics of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)An experiment with complete randomized block design
(RCBD) having five biofertilizer treatments containing N-fixer bacteria (Azotobacter, Azospirillum), Rhizobium and P
solubilizing bacteria with control and three replications was completed under green house conditions. The present
results have shown that all the vegetative and reproductive growth accomplished successfully by application of
biofertilizers. However, the treatment containg Azospirillum (T4) gained highest values in terms of plant height, florets
spike-1, Spike length, Florets fresh weight and earlier sprouting than rest of the treatments. The role of biofertilizers in
cormels production and nutrient uptake, T4 had also superiority with more cormels plant-1 and played leading role in
nutrient (NPK) absorption than the control one. So, in this experiment Biofertilizer has been identified as an alternative
to chemical fertilizer in order to increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming.
Keywords: Biofertilizer, plant growth, flower quality, nutrient uptake, Gladiolus
INTRODUCTION
Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L) is an important ornamental and commercial flower known as queen of the
bulbous plants, belongs to Iridaceae family. It is the second most popular cut flower in Pakistan after Rose species that
is grown for both as potted and aesthetic cut flower in the country[1].Gladiolus is one among the top ten elite cut
flowers due to their different shapes,dazzling colors,varying sizes and excellent vase life.It is considerable demand in
both domestic and export markets and over 450 acres annually are under the cultivation of Gladiolus in Punjab
province [2].Today, Agrochemicals are being used excessively in crop production due to high trend in industrialization
and population explosion in the world.Their continuous application has introduced major challenges for farmers in the
form of soil infertility, nutrient imbalance, accumulation of toxic chemicals in the soil and food products which have
an adverse effect on the soil productivity, ecosystem destruction, environmental degradation and also affecting the
yield and quality of the product [3]. In that condition, sustainable agricultural practices have become a very difficult
job for commercial growers now a days. To cope with all these problems a cheaper, better and safer way is necessary
in order to improve the soil fertility status, maximize the agricultural productivity with minimum Eco hazards.All these
criteria can be achieved through application of bio-fertilizers which is known as "microbial inoculants", these are the
products containing the living cells (Mainly bacteria & fungi) that naturally activate the microorganisms found in the
soil, restoring the soil fertility and improve physico-chemical and biological properties of soil [4] and[5]. These
essential substances are the bio-stimulants, which act as a growth booster by inflicting positive effects on plant
nutrition and crop protection against stress and diseased conditions [6].Certain strains of bio-fertilizers which are being
commercially used in horticultural crops are; Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and VAM
fungi. As reported in numerous studies, Azospirillum and Azotobacter are well known symbiotic N-fixing bacteria
which help the plants indirectly through better nitrogen (N) fixation or improving the nutrient availability in the soil.
International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences Page: 94
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They have the ability to fix 20-200 kg N ha–1and increase crop yield by 10-50% ([7]; [8]; [9] and[10].While, Phosphate
Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) are used to increase the availability of phosphorus in soil.Application of 120:65:62.5 kg
NPK per ha-1 + phosphobacteria + Azospirillum showed better results in vegetative and reproductive growth in
gladiolus [11].The increase in growth characteristics like plant height, early flowering, nutrient uptake were observed
in French marigold and Rosesby Azospirillum inoculation [12] and [13].Treated the bulbs with bio-fertilizers
(Azotobacter chroococcum & Azospirillum lipoferum) increased plant height, leaf area, tepal diameter, growth and
quality of tulip flower as well as bulb yield [14]. Bio-fertilizers seems to be a feasible option for sustained agriculture
on a commercial and profitable scale. In addition, they are eco-friendly, easily available and cost effective [15].Present
project was formulated to investigate the potential role of bio-fertilizers application for enhancing growth, yield and
improving quality of Gladiolus grandiflorus in a sustainable agricultural production system in order to reduce the
amount of excessive chemical material released to the environment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The experiment was conducted in Floriculture Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad (latitude 31°30 N, longitude 73°10 E and altitude 213 m), Pakistan , during 2011-2012 to
elucidate the effect of bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. viz.“White friendship”.
Before starting the experiment, soil samples from various blocks of experimental field were collected randomly to
assess physio-chemical properties (pH, EC, texture, organic matter contents and N, P, K and Zn contents) of the soil
status that are given below in table 1.Soil was thoroughly tilled, leveled and blocks were laid out according to
Randomized Complete Block Design. A basal dose of NPK was applied @ 200:180:200 kg ha-1 before laying out the
blocks. There were five treatments; control, azotobacter, azospirillum, rhizobium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria
(PSB), were taken in the study which were purchased from the National Institute for biotechnology & Genetic
Engineering (NIBGE) Faisalabad, as a trade name “Biopower”. Healthy and uniform size (10-12cm) corms were
dipped in a thick slurry of respective carrier based Azotobacter and Azospirillum liquid fertilizer for half an hour and
dried in shade for 30 min. Treated Corms were planted during 2nd week of October, 2011 according to layout of the
experiment with 10cm plant to plant distance and on 60cm spaced ridges. Ten corms were planted in each treatment
and each treatment was replicated thrice with a total of 150 corms used in this experiment. All other cultural practices
like weeding, plant protection measures, earthing up etc, were same for all treatments during entire period of study.
Plants were allowed to grow and data regarding growth, flowering and corm indices were collected using standard
procedures. Table 1: The results of soil analysis.
Soil properties Soil depth (6-12
inch) mg kg-1 Adequate ranges
mg kg-1
Organic matter % 0.50 > 1.29%
Ph 8.08 7
EC (dS m-1) 2.05 3
Zn Content (mg kg-1) 1.2 >1
Nitrogen (%) 10.12 >20
Available Phosphorus (mg kg-1) 8.2 >15
Exchangable Potasium (mg kg-1) 195 >150
Statistical Analysis
All data was analyzed statistically by using analysis of variance technique and treatment means were compared
according to least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level [16].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Influence of biofertilizers on vegetative and reproductive parameters
Concerning the evaluation of vegetative growth, statistically significant results are presented in table1. Those
treatments which were directly under the biofertilizer influence produced exclusive vegetative growth than the control
treatment. In case of days to sprouting, T4 (Azospirillum) had significant superiority which took least days of sprouting
(17.58days) followed by T3, T2 and T1. The maximum days for sprouting were observed in Tocontrol (24.34 days).
International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences Page: 95
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Ahmad Ali et al Copyrights@2014 IJPAES ISSN 2231-4490
This might be due to inoculation with bacterial mixtures provided a more balance nutrition for plants as well as
optimum absorption of bio fertilizers by corms accelerated the physiological process and improved the germination
phenomenon. These results are in accordance with the findings of [17]. Application of 120:65:62.5 kg NPK ha-1 +
phosphor bacteria + Azospirillum showed better results with respect to days to sprouting in Gladiolus [11]. Treatment
comprising Azospirillum as biofertilizers has a significant effect on the plant height. The increase in plant height was
due to the presence of a readily available form of nitrogen. Azospirillum improves plant macro and micro nutrients
absorption. Seeds inoculated with Azospirillum improved growth factors such as plant height in Jasmine and tuberose
plants confirmed by [18] and [19]. These results are in line with the findings of [20] who reported that biofertilizers
increases plant height by enhancing the nitrogen content and the rate of photosynthesis. Similar dominant effect of
Azospirillum biofertilizer was also examined in early flowering which could be possible in 68.15 days with more
number of flowers per plant (13.12) than rest of treatment. Early flowering and increase in number of florets per spike
is dependant on food material prepared as result of photosynthesis in leaves [21]. In roses, earlier flowering due to
inoculation with Azospirillum was observed [13]. This was due to induced cytokinin synthesis and rapid assimilation of
photosynthates resulting in early transformation of the auxillary bulb from vegetative to reproductive phase.
It was inferred from the above results that the biofertilizers application with Azospirillum significantly increases the
spike’s length (74.04 cm) and fresh weight (38.54 g) as compared to control. The increase in spike length might be due
to the availability of nutrition and elevated levels of macronutrients which have positive effect on floral
characteristics.The similar results were obtained by [22] who mentioned that the treatment receiving Azospirillum sp. +
Phosphate solubilizing bacterium + Vermi compost + NPK (25% of recommended dose) improved the flower quality
and increase the flower yield of Petunia hybrid flower. Fresh weight increased due to biological fixation of nitrogen
and phosphorus in root portion of plants resulting in absorption of more nutrients and its utilization. Moreover,
Azospirillum has a role in nitrogen fixation and is also involved in the production of IAA, GA and cytokinin like
substances which enhance the growth of plants. These findings are in accordance with the results of [23] stated that
application of bio-fertilizers like Azospirillum, Phosphate solubilizing bacterium enhanced the flower fresh weight in
carnation.
Table 2: Effect of different Biofertilizers on the growth, and quality characteristics of Gladiolus grandiflorus cv.
white friendship.
Treatments Days to
sprouting
(days)
Plant height
(cm)
Days to spike
emergence
(days)
Florets
per spike
(number)
Spike length
(cm)
Fresh
weight of
spike (g)
T0 24.34 64.34 84.23 7.13 58.33 24.00
T1 21.86 72.19 79.34 9.05 64.56 32.25
T2 19.45 74.04 71.87 9.87 67.89 34.66
T3 18.17 71.81 70.45 10.45 70.19 36.33
T4 17.58 79.56 68.15 13.12 74.04 38.54
S.Em 0.38 0.23 0.44 0.32 0.04 0.48
C.V at 5 % 3.30 0.56 1.01 5.66 0.13 2.52
T0: Control, T1: Rhizobium, T2: Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB), T3: Azotobacter, T4:
Azospirillum.
Influence of biofertilizers on post-harvest attributes in Gladiolus.
In this study, Biofertilizers have played a stimulating role towards physiological response in nutrient accumulation as
well post-harvest growth while significant differences are shown in table 3. Application of Azospirillum (T4) excellent
performed in maximum cormels production (31.95 corm plant-1) with their higher weight (9.65 g), longest vase life
(11.6 days) and better macro nutrient uptake percentage (4.76% N, 0.43% P and 3.63% K) with respect to all other
treatments. A marked increase in both number of cormels plant-1and cormel’s weight may be attributed to better
availability of phosphorous, which is required in particularly for corm growth. Better cormels production might be due
to corms inoculated with biofertilizers have stored more carbohydrates through effective photosynthesis. The increase
in corms weight might be due to storage of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds in the corms. The carbohydrates
and soluble nitrogen compounds translocates from leaves to corms.
International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences Page: 96
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Ahmad Ali et al Copyrights@2014 IJPAES ISSN 2231-4490
Corms act as sink source for storage of food, reported by [24]. Vase life is an important criterion to assess the
postharvest quality of cut flowers. Our study revealed the preservative role of biofertilizers in Gladiolus flower
longevity, when corms were treated with this supplement. Increment in vase life might be due to reduction in ethylene
synthesis which has a harmful effect for flower life. Biofertilizers regulate nutrient uptake process and prolonged vase
phenomenon. Our findings are harmony with [14] who reported that Azotobacter+ Azospirillum inhibit the action of
ethylene and extend the vase life of tulip for 10-12 days.
Positive impact of biofertilizers for nutrient uptake (NPK) by leaves exhibited remarkable difference than control (T0)
are presented in table No, 3. These treatment application significantly increased nitrogen content, this could be
attributed to the rapid absorption of these elements by the plant surface and their translocation in the plant [25]. Similar
results were obtained by [26] on chrysanthemum and [27] on cauliflower. The role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria
increases in the availability of phosphorus in soil through the secretion of phosphatase enzyme which leads to transfer
organic phosphorus to their available forms [28] and [29]. Consequently, it enhances phosphorus absorption and
accumulation in plant tissues. The increment in “K” percentage might be due to the effect of different strain groups and
nutrients mobilizing microorganism which help in availability of metals and their forms in the composted material and
increased levels of extracted minerals [30].
Table 3: Effect of different Biofertilizers on the vase life, corm/cormels production and nutrient uptake
characteristics of Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. white friendship.
Treatments Vase life
(Days) Corms Cormels
Nutrient contents
uptake by leaves in
percentage
corms/plant Wt.(g) cormels/plant Wt.(g) N % P% K%
T0 9.34 1.09 27.45 17.32 4.56 1.25 0.09 2.88
T1 10.53 1.34 31.67 21,56 5.78 2.05 0.26 3.56
T2 10.78 1.48 34.37 25.87 7.13 2.61 0.31 3.58
T3 10.96 1.28 35.21 27.67 7.44 3.95 0.40 3.56
T4 . 11.67 1.78 38.78 31.95 9.65 4.76 0.43 3.63
S.Em 0.27 0.054 0.19 0.048 0.02 0.11 0.03 0.53
C.V at 5% 4.40 6.58 0.99 0.34 0.72 6.60 7.12 8.95
T0: control, T1: Rhizobium, T2: Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB), T3: Azotobacter, T4:
Azospirillum.
CONCLUSION
In general it appears that, as expected, Gladiolus as a cut flower significantly responded to bio fertilization which
positively affected plants growth characters and flower yield. So, this is a little effort which was done to improve the
soil structure and texture, reduces soil pollution, reduced extensive fertilizer application which is beneficial for the
present problems of high cost of fertilizers and environmental pollution.Our findings may give applicable advice to
farmers for crop management and concern on fertilizer strategy in alternative way of action.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are thankful to Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan for
providing basic infrastructure and technical expertise to carry out the research work.
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