Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

1. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

12. THANK YOU