Yield and quality of rice (Oryza sativa) hybrids grown by SRI method with and without plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during kharif 2007 to assess the performance of six rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids (KRH 2, Arize 6444, PHB 71, Indam 100-001, PRH 10 and Indam 100-003) with and without inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Azospirillum brasilense CD 4, Bacillus subtilis RP 24 and control), grown by system of rice intensification (SRI) method. Hy- brid PHB 71 recorded the highest surface area, diameter and volume of roots. Highest grain yield was recorded in KRH 2, which was at par with Arize 6444 and PHB 71, but significantly higher than Indam 100-003, PRH 10 and Indam 100-001. Inoculation of rice seedlings with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria had a favourable effect on root growth, yield and quality of rice hybrids. Inoculation of rice with Azosprillum brasilense and Bacillus subtilis improved all quality parameters, viz. hulling, milling, head rice recovery and protein content significantly over the control.