Influence of bio-stimulants on seed dressing and foliar spray on the yield characteristics and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is a globally vital staple, yet its yield potential is often limited by poor nutrient availability and soil constraints despite intensive cultivation. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers has led to soil degradation and environmental concerns. Bio-stimulants like PGPR, humic acid, seaweed extract, and Hairamin offer eco-friendly alternatives to enhance nutrient uptake and crop resilience. Thus, this study investigates the effectiveness of seed dressing and foliar application of bio-stimulants on wheat yield and productivity.Therefore, the present study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023-2024at the Experimental Farm of Department of Agriculture, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Haryana, India. The study included eleven treatments combining various bio-stimulants with 100% RDF. Three wheat varieties DBW-222, WH-1270, and DBW-303 were tested for the impact of a bio-stimulant on wheat growth and yield. The treatments range from control to combinations of Azotobacter, humic acid, seaweed extract, organic carbon, and Hairamin. Application was done via seed dressing and foliar spray methods. The results showed that biostimulants, particularlyRDF combined with foliar application of Hairamin and seed treatment with Azotobacter, significantly improved wheat growth parameters, including plant height, tiller count, panicle length, and grain yield. After treatment the number of tillers (85.33), peduncle length (45.72), number of ears per meter row length (78.56), number of spikelets per ear (38.24), number of grains per ear (49.31), test weight (46.97 g), grain yield (59.31 q/ha), straw yield (73.60 q/ha), biological yield (132.91 q/ha), harvest index (44.63 %) increased significantly. Present studies showed that inorganic fertilizers can be reduced by using three foliar applications of Hairamin which are rich in organic carbon (18 20%), organic nitrogen (6-8%), calcium (2%), and amides and amino acids.