Studies on Shelf-life of Fly-ash Based Azotobacter Chroococcum Formulation and its Bio-efficacy in Wheat

Formulations of Azotobacter chroococcum in fly-ash alone and in combination with lignite (fly-ash: lignite = 1:0, 1:1 and 0:1) were evaluated for shelf-life and bio-efficacy as PGPR on wheat and viability of Azotobacter chroococcum in carrier formulations at 28±2oC as well as at room temperature up to nine months was in the order- fly-ash > lignite and fly-ash: lignite (1:1) > lignite. The population of propagules stored at 25±2oC was greater than at room temperature. Seed treatment with all Azotobacter chroococcum formulations enhanced percent seed germination, plant height and plant biomass compared to control and fly-ash based formulation showed better shelf-life and bio-efficacy than others.