Effect of nitrogen fixing and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria on quantitative and ‎qualitative characteristics in two varieties of begonia (Begonia semperflorens‏(‏

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of biofertilizers and nutrition through a nutrient solution (base Hogland) on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Begonia semperflorens (two varieties, sprint rose and senator deeprose). The factorial experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design (RCBD), with twenty treatments in three replications. Treatments include: nutrient solution (base Hogland), Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 169, Azotobacter chroococcum strain 12 and compound Pseudomonas and Azotobacter with different percentages of chemical fertilizer and two varieties of Begonia. Non-inoculated with nutrient solution and bio-fertilizer were considered as control. The results showed that the highest leaf area (36.69 mm2) was observed in Pseudomonas and Azotobacter and 75% of the nitrogen treatment. Maximum shoots fresh weight (117.18 gr) and maximum shoots dry weight (4.12 gr), were seen at the treatments of Pseudomonas and Azotobacter and 75% of the Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Most phosphorus in shoots (0.34%) was related to the treatments of Pseudomonas and Azotobacter and 100% phosphor and the highest chlorophyll of leaves (13.12 mg per gr of fresh weight) were related to the treatments of Azotobacter and 100% Nitrogen. Treatments of Pseudomonas and Azotobacter and 75% phosphor with 41.38 mg per gr of fresh weight, had the highest amounts of anthocyanins of petals. Overall, treatment of Pseudomonas and Azotobacter and 75% nitrogen, and then base Hogland treatment were the best treatments. Thus, it was shown that Pseudomonas and Azotobacter combination with reduced doses of nutrient solution, led to significant improvement of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Begonia. In addition, two varieties of Begonia (senator deeprose and sprint rose) in response to similar treatments, showed different reactions.