Effect of Organic Amendments and Plant Growth Promoting Microbes on Santalum Album in Central India

Different plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) were screened for their growth promoting activity against Santalum album in nursery. A mix of selected organisms, Azospirillum, phosphate solubilising bacteria (fluorescent Pseudomonas sp.), Trichderma viride, AM fungi and soil amendment with organic matter were applied in a factorial field experiment to study their effect on survival and growth of sandal (Santalum album) saplings. Loam soil, farm yard manure (FYM), un-decomposed teak leaf, Leucaena leaf and mix organic matter (mixer of these 3 organic matters in equal ratio) in 3:1 v/v were used for amendment of natural red muram soil. There was 10-20% mortality in un-amended soil as compared to 0-10% in soil amended with organic matter along with PGPM application. No mortality was recorded in soil amended with loam soil, mix of FYM, teak and Leucaena leaves along with application of PGPM. Significant effect of soil amendment and application of PGPM was also observed on the growth of saplings after 2 years and 3 monthof planting. Fruit bodies of Lepiota longicauda, L. cristata and Scleroderma sp. were only developed on soil amended with organic matters. Maximum height was recorded in PGPM applied and soil amended with teak leaves (61% more as compared to control) followed by mixed organic matter and loam soil (39% and 38% more, respectively).