RESPONSE OF WHEAT CROP TO MICROBIAL INOCULATION AND YEAST STRAIN UNDER DIFFERENT MINERAL PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER LEVELS AT NORTH EASTERN DELTA OF EGYPT

The effect of inoculation with mycorrhiza, phosphate dissolving bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) and yeast strain (Saccharomyces cervisiae) on the growth of wheat plants, was studied in two successive field experiments, at El-Serw Agricultural Research Station (Northeastern Delta of Egypt). Three levels of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer were applied, (0, 15, and 30 kg P₂O₅/fed). Split plot with 4 replicates was designed. Dry matter contents per plant, available phosphorus in the rhizosphere and root systems of plants were determined, after 30, 60 and 90 days of sowing, as well as, at harvesting .Grain and straw yields were also determined.
                The obtained results showed that, fungal and bacterial inoculation in the presence of inorganic phosphorous fertilizer, stimulated wheat grain and straw yields, and increased available p in the soil around root zone. Noticeable amounts of p were determined with phosphate dissolving bacteria and mycorrhiza, than with yeast inoculation. B. megaterium inoculation with 30 kg P₂O₅ /fed gave the highest values of grain and straw yield (23.68 ardab/fed and 3.84 ton/fed, respectively) during the first season.  While, in the second season 15 kg P2O5 /fed with PDB inoculation gave the highest values (22.77 ardab/fed and 3.8 ton/fed., respectively).