Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

1. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

2. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato • Introduction Biofertilizers are ready to use live formulations of beneficial microorganisms which on application, mobilize availability of nutrients by their biological activity and build up soil health Form a part of integrated nutrient management Ideal for farmers practicing organic farming Increase yield by 20-30% in crops

3. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Types of biofertilizers • For Nitrogen • Nitrogen fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum • For Phosphorus & hormones • Phosphate solublizing bacteria • Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) • Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

4. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Mode of action of biofertilizers Biofertilizers fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and make it available to the plants Decompose organic matter and help in mineralisation Produce hormones that promote root growth

5. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Benefits of biofertilizers • Cost effective: increase crop yield by 10-30% • Activate the soil biologically • Restore natural soil fertility • Supplement to fertilizers: replace chemical fertilizers upto 25% • Provide protection against some soil borne diseases

6. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Biofertilizer for tomato • Azotobacter with phosphate solubilizing bacteria is recommended for tomato crop • Azotobacteracts by • Supplying 20-40 mg N/g of carbon source • Producing growth substances like vitamins, IAA and Gibberellic acid • Biological control of plant diseases and suppresses plant pathogens • Mycorrhiza help by solubilizing nutrients and overcoming moisture stress

7. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Method of application • Seed Treatment • Suspend one packet (200 g) of biofertilizer in approx. 400 ml water (1:2) to treat 10-12 kg tomato seed • Pour the suspension over the seeds • Mix thoroughly to apply uniformly • Dry the seeds in shade and sow • Sugar solution (10%) or gum arabica (10%) can be used as an adhesive Contd..

8. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Method of application • Seedling dipping • Suspend 1kg (5 packets) biofertilizer culture in 10-15 litres of water. One packet is sufficient for 0.1 ha area • Make small bundles of tomato seedlings • Dip the root of the seedlings in the suspension for 15-30 minutes • Transplant immediately Contd..

9. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Method of application • Soil application • Mix 10-15 packets (each of 200 g) with 40-60 kg of well decomposed cattle manure or with 40-60 kg soil for one acre area • Wet the mixture by sprinkling water • Broadcast into the soil at the time of sowing

10. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Precautions for using Biofertilizers • Biofertilizer packets should be stored in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight • Do not mix biofertilizer simultaneously with inorganic fertilizers/pesticides • Biofertilizer packet should be used before its expiry • For better results, biofertilizers should be used in combination with inorganic fertilizers

11. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato Let us sum up • Biofertilizers are useful microorganisms that provide nutrients to the plants in the rhizosphere • Reduce environmental pollution and cut down the cost of chemical fertilizers • Release the nutrients gradually and prevent leaching of nutrients from the soil • Improve soil health and provide protection against some soil borne diseases • Biofertilizers are applied to the crop as seed, seedling or soil treatment