THE GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF MAIZE CROP TO INOCULATION WITH DIVERSE RHIZOBIUM STRAINS

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of three rhizobial isolates (MR1, MR2 and MR3) on maize (Zea mays L.) growtFh, yield and nutrient uptake under controlled conditions. Among the isolates, MR3 demonstrated the greatest enhancement, achieving the highest plant height (160 cm), grain yield (55 g/pot) and nitrogen uptake (700 mg/pot), followed by MR2 and MR1. Rhizobial inoculation significantly improved plant height, root length, grain yield and nutrient absorption compared to the un-inoculated control. These improvements suggest that rhizobia not only facilitate nitrogen fixation but also contribute to plant growth through root colonization and metabolite production. These findings underscore the potential of rhizobial inoculation as a sustainable approach to enhancing maize productivity and soil fertility.