Effect of Different Liquid Bio-Fertilizers on Seed Quality Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative effects of different liquid biofertilizers and the chemical fungicide Thiram on seed quality parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), using variety K1317 under laboratory conditions over two years (2023–2024) at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. 10 treatment combinations, including 5 liquid biofertilizers (EM culture, PSB, KSB, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum), Thiram, and an untreated control, were evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Key parameters—physical seed quality, germination dynamics, seedling growth, and vigour indices—were measured and statistically analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level and 95% confidence interval. Results revealed that seeds treated with Azospirillum + PSB (T8, 20 ml/kg seed) consistently performed best, demonstrating significant improvements in test weight, seed L/B ratio, germination rate, seedling length, seedling dry weight, and vigour indices compared to control. These findings underscore the dual benefits of liquid biofertilizer application: sustainable crop production and enhanced seed physiological quality. The study concludes that adopting liquid biofertilizer treatments, particularly Azospirillum + PSB, provides an environmentally responsible pathway for producing high-vigour, nutrient-rich wheat seeds, offering superior alternatives to conventional chemical seed treatments.