NutMagic: A formulation of consortium of PGPR, PSB, and groundnut rhizobia

ICAR-DGR developed consortium called “NutMagic” is comprised of PGPR ((Pseudomonas gessardii BHU1, Pseudomonas putida S1(6)); PSB (Enterobacter cloacae BM8; Bacillus polymyxa), and rhizobia (Sinorhizobium americanum NRCG4 and Rhizobium sp. NRCG9). The consortium can take care of plant growth promotion by ACC deaminase activity, siderophore production, ammonification, suppression of pathogens, and solubilization of Zn and K; better phosphate solubilisation by PSBs; and improved biological nitrogen fixation by rhizobia. The consortium has been recommended after testing at Junagadh and at multilocations through AICRP(G). The consortium has been formulated as talcum based powder and also in liquid and recommended for seed treatment for both irrigated and rain-fed situations. These bacteria of the consortium are also compatible with seed treating chemicals. The benefits of consortia have been demonstrated through FLDs and on farm trials at different parts of the country. Application of this consortia can enhance the yield of groundnut by 10-20%. The PGPR isolate of this consortium also have capacity to inhibit pathogens like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Sclerotium rolfsii, etc. Readily available raw materials and fermenters for large scale multiplication can be used for scaling up the production.

Benefits of the technology:

• Eco-friendly.
• Improvement in soil health, nutrient mobilization and uptake like P, K, N, Fe, Zn, etc. (P, K, and Zn solubilizers).
• Enhancement in biological nitrogen fixation. Hence, dependence on nitrogenous fertilizer can be reduced.
• Produces plant growth promoting substances like IAA and iron chetating substances like siderophore.
• Strains of the consortium are compatible to each other.
• Can also be formulated in talcum powder, liquid, and in charcoal/peat.
• Compatible with seed treating chemicals like Bavistin (Carbendazime)/Thiram.
• Shelf-life of more than one year at room temperature of liquid formulation.
• Very fast growing and ease in large scale multiplication.
• Can be used both for rain-fed and irrigated groundnut.
• Yield advantage can be up to 20%.
• Easy to apply and can be applied through irrigation water or through FYM or through drip system.