Nodule Associated Plant Probiotics on Seed Quality of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) under Ambient Storage Condition

Background: India is the leading producer and importer of pulses in the world. Post-harvest storage loss ranging from 5-10% which is very high in India. This situation demands the development of storage guidelines for pulses to prevent the storage losses without deterioration. The liquid-based formulations of nodule associated plant probiotics are known for increasing the plant growth and yield related parameters in field conditions. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of seed treatment of liquid based formulation of NAPP to maintain seed viability, vigour during storage period and also to assess the shelf life of the formulation. Methods: Population of nodule associated plant probiotics spore count was assessed in stored seeds at bimonthly intervals, SEM analysis was taken to confirm the presence of probiotics initially and effect of NAPP on seed quality during storage period was assessed. Result: The results revealed that (T3) seeds coated with microbial consortia (NAPP) of Rhizobium sp VRE1 + Candida tropicalis VYW1+ Paenibacillus taichungensis TNEB6+ AMF have recorded maximum germination (71%), germination energy (7.2) and seedling vigour index (1690). Also, coated seeds recorded highest protein content, antioxidant enzymes and lowest level of EC, free amino acids compared to control seeds after 12 months of storage under ambient condition. Microbial population was maintained at 3.2 log cfu/g of coated seeds when compared to 1.0 log cfu/g of primed seeds after one year of storage.