Micronutrient composition of field-grown dry bean and wheat inoculated with Azospirillum and Trichoderma

Micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition in humans are severe problems in many developing countries, particularly in areas with calcareous soils. There is almost no information on whether inoculation with plant growth-promoting Azospirillum and/or Trichoderma can help to reduce this problem by increasing the mineral concentration of the seeds. Field experiments were conducted in Tokat (Turkey) in 2001-2002 to determine whether inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense, Trichoderma harzianum, sole or in combination, and/or the application of P fertilizers can enhance micronutrient concentrations of field-grown bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). In beans, Azospirillum inoculation combined with P fertilization significantly (p < 0.05) increased seed concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Cu, from 8.8, 22.6, and 7.0 mg kg-1 in the control to 10.3, 28.3, and 11.0 mg kg-1, respectively. Trichoderma inoculation alone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu and the cumulative plant uptake of Fe and Zn in 45-day-old bean plants. However, it significantly (p < 0.05) increased bean-seed Cu content and accumulation. The double inoculation resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher micronutrient concentrations than Trichoderma inoculation alone in 45-day-old plants. In contrast to beans, the effects of microbial inoculations were less in wheat. However, dual inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) increased Zn content by 45% and Zn accumulation by 40% above the uninoculated control. Inoculation with plant growth-promoting microorganisms appears to be a promising strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.