Standardisation of Microbial Bio-Priming for Enhancing Seedling Vigour in Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) var. MDU 1

Abstract

In general, the bio-priming of seeds using Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) enhances germination rates and fosters better seedling establishment. To capitalise on these advantages, a bio-priming experiment was carried out on barnyard millet seeds utilising five distinct liquid microbial cultures. This study also incorporated four combinations of bio-inoculants. The nine bioprimed seed variants were compared against hydroprimed and non-primed seeds. The data underwent statistical analysis using AGRES software. The findings indicated that seeds immersed in equal volumes of liquid microbial cultures, specifically Azophos (T2), Pseudomonas fluorescens (T4), Pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs) (T5), and the combination of Azophos + Pseudomonas fluorescens (T8) at a concentration of 20% for 8 hours, exhibited superior germination rates, root lengths (cm), shoot lengths (cm), dry matter production (g/10 seedlings) and overall vigour. Among these microbial cultures, Azophos + Pseudomonas fluorescens (T8) demonstrated the most significant improvement in seed physiological characteristics. This study establishes a standardised bio-priming protocol using Azophos + Pseudomonas fluorescens at 20% for 8 hours for barnyard millet. Therefore, it is recommended to use Azophos + Pseudomonas fluorescens at a concentration of 20% for 8 hours as the optimal seed treatment for enhancing seed physiological parameters in the barnyard millet variety MDU 1.