Effectiveness of bacterial inoculation for improving grain yield and quality of chickpea

Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive Rabi seasons (2011-12 to 2013-14) at Pulses Research Institute, Faisalabad to study the effect of bacterial inoculation on grain yield and quality of chickpea (desi). One variety (Pb-2008) and four advanced lines viz. D-03009, D-06002, D-06003 and D-06052 were tested with and without bacterial inoculation (Mesorhizobium ciceri, Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp.). On a loamy soil (EC = 1.8 dS m(-1), pH = 7.6), a consortium of three bacteria spp. was applied as seed coating at the time of sowing. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results showed a significant increase in nodulation (17.5%), plant height (4.0%), number of pods per plant (7.8%) and grain yield (7.5%) due to bacterial inoculation. The increase/decrease in the number of branches per plant (3.8%), 100 grain weight (1.9%), protein (4.5%), carbohydrate (0.0%), crude fiber (2.0%) and mineral matter (2.5%), remained statistically non-significant. The interaction among local cultivar/advanced lines and microbial inoculation was significant for improving grain yield. The advanced line D-06052 yielded with highest grains (2890 kg ha(-1)) due to bacterial inoculation. Hence, it can be argued that the bacterial inoculation positively influenced the grain yield and its components without fading the quality of produce. Bacterial inoculation is recommended for better chickpea yield.