Am fungi and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (paenibacillus polymyxa) as a potential bioinoculant for marigold

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic association between higher plant roots and certain fungi which plays a key role in the mobilization of phosphorus and natural cycling of various nutrients in the ecosystem and also protect plants against environmental stresses and pathogenic organisms. Marigold is an economically important flower crop and it can be cultivated round the year. Marigold flowers has got popularity among gardeners and dealers due to its easy cultivation and wide adaptability. Both leaves and flowers of marigold are equally important in medicine field due to medical properties, the essential oil of marigold also valuable use in perfume industry. Marigolds are ideal for cut flowers especially for making garland. The present investigation was carried out in the pot culture house, Department of microbiology, Annamalai University. The growth and yield of marigold was significantly enhanced by the inoculation of AM fungi + phosphobacteria with 75% of P and 100% N&K fertilizers (T10) it was followed by (T¬13) which constituting AM fungi (Glomus fasciculatum)+ Phosphobacteria (Paenibacillus polymyxa) and 50 % P and 100% N&K fertilizers. Based on the above triats, AM fungi (Glomus fasciculatum) +Phosphobacteria (Paenibacillus polymyxa) were found to be a potential bioinoculant for Marigold to obtain maximum yield with the reduction of 25 percent Phosphatic fertilizers.