Foliar sprays of growth regulators and rhizosphere effect in Cajanus cajan Millsp. I. Quantitative changes

Abstract

Foliar sprays of growth regulators brought forth attendant changes in the rhizosphere of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan Millsp.). Sprays of NAA boosted up fungi in the rhizosphere, regardless of its concentration and age of the plants. Significant increases in bacterial numbers were recorded in the rhizosphere of 2,4-D-treated plants and this effect was again independent of the concentration employed and the age levels. Gibberellin and MH sprays generally lowered microbial numbers in the rhizosphere. Reductions in microbial numbers with MH sprays were not necessarily apparent when combined with other growth regulators.