Combined soil application of Bio NPK and pesticides either simultaneous and sequential can enhanced plant growth parameters effectively and most of the pesticides tested viz. Profenofos 50% EC, Spinosad 45% SC, Dichlorvos 76% EC, Imidacloprid EC, Fipronil 5% SC, Chlorpyrifos 20% EC, Pyraclotrobin 20% WG, Ridomil 68% WP, Quizalofop 5% EC and Finoxaprop 9% EC found safe to beneficial bacteria at the field recommended dose exhibiting no reduction of bacterial population compared with untreated control. However, broad spectrum and combination of fungicide (Mencozeb 63% + Carbendazim 12% WP) as well as multiple application of pesticide had inhibitory effect on tested individual bacterial members as well as Bio-NPK consortium. Thus, the studies indicated that all pesticides especially insecticides and herbicides are less detrimental to beneficial bacteria used as biofertilizers in common crop management practices. | Effect of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides on biofertilizer bacteria and their consortium
