1. Biofertilizers Use in Tomato

2. 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. 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 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 Mode of action of biofertilizers

5. 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 Benefits of biofertilizers

6. 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 Biofertilizer for tomato

7. Seed Treatment Suspend one packet (200 g) of biofertilizer in approx. 400 ml water (1:2) 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 Method of application Contd..

8. 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 Method of application Contd..

9. 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 Method of application

10. 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 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 Let us sum up