1. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

2. 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

3. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Types of biofertilizers
For Nitrogen
Nitrogen fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum
For Phosphorus & hormones
Phosphate solublizing bacteria
Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM)
Plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

4. 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

5. 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

6. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Biofertilizer for tomato
Azotobacter with phosphate solubilizing bacteria is recommended for tomato crop
Azotobacter acts by
Supplying 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

7. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Method of application
Seed Treatment
Suspend one packet (200 g) of biofertilizer in approx. 400 ml water (1:2) to treat 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..

8. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Method of application
Seedling dipping
Suspend 1kg (5 packets) biofertilizer culture in 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 minutes
Transplant immediately
Contd..

9. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato
Method of application
Soil application
Mix packets (each of 200 g) with kg of well decomposed cattle manure or with kg soil for one acre area
Wet the mixture by sprinkling water
Broadcast into the soil at the time of sowing

10. 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

11. 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