Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Types of biofertilizers
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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

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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Biofertilizer for tomato

• Azotobacter with phosphate solubilizing bacteria
  is recommended for tomato crop
• Azotobacter acts 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

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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Method of application

• Seed Treatment
• Suspend one packet (200 g) of biofertilizer in
  approx. 400 ml water (12) 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..
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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..
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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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

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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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

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Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
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