Synergistic Impact of Bio Integrated Seed Enhancement and Rhizo-Competence in Maize
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jefa.2026.21.2.22Keywords:
Bio-liquid formulation, Bacillus spp, chitosan, seed coating, soil enzymesAbstract
Maize productivity is dependent on enhancement of seed quality and seedling vigour. This study evaluated the efficacy of an integrated bio-liquid seed coating viz., integrating Bacillus polymyxa, B. megaterium and chitosan against single microbial inoculants and untreated controls. The experiments, conducted under laboratory and pot culture conditions, revealed that the bio-integrated coating significantly (p≤0.05) improved seed germination to 92 % and maximized Vigour Index-I (2120.4) and II (11.44). While, the treatment achieved a 62.5 % reduction in disease incidence and enhanced stress recovery (80.4 %) and chlorophyll content (49.6 SPAD). Rhizospheric soil health was consequently improved, with significant increases in dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease activities. Shelf-life analysis confirmed microbial viability within the formulation for up to 12 months. These results demonstrate that bio-integrated coatings offer a robust, eco-friendly strategy for optimizing early-season maize performance and soil biological activity.
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