Effect of granular insecticides on nodulation, rhizosphere microflora and growth characteristics of cowpea

Abstract

Studies conducted to assess the effect of ten insecticide granules on nodulation, rhizosphere microflora and growth characteristics of cowpea showed that carbofuran, carbaryl and quinalphos increased the nodules significantly. An increase in size of nodules was also observed by all the insecticides except quinalphos. Carbofuran, carbaryl and chlorodimeiorm increased the plant height. Weight of roots was enhanced by carbofuran and MIPC. The fungal and bacterial population is influenced variously by the different insecticides both in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil, whereas the actinomycetes population was not affected.