The effect of seed inoculation with Azospirillum strains and coating with microelements on seed yield and essence of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

In order to study the effects of seed inoculation with Azospirillum strains and coating with microelements on seed and essential oil yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) an experiment was conducted at research field of agricultural faculty of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz. Studied factors were Azospirillum strains (lipoferum, brasilense, irakense, strain of and strain 21) included seed coating with microelements and no-coating seeds. Factorial experiment was arranged based on randomized complete block design. Results indicated that, when seeds were inoculated with Azospirillum, strain 21, umbel number per plant increased 11 umbel, compared with control. The lowest thousand seed weight obtained from treatment that seeds no-inoculated and no-coated. Seed yield was the highest (571 kg ha-1), when seeds were both inoculated with strain 21 and coated with microelements, and this value was twice more than the treatment of those seeds only inoculated with Azospirillum strains. When seeds were coated with microelements, yield increased to 147 kg ha-1 (based on averaged Azospirillum strains) compared to non-coated seeds. Essential oil yield of cumin ranged from 17.2 kg ha-1 in treatment of seed inoculation with Azospirillum, strain 21×seed coating with microelements to 2.56 kg ha-1 in control sample. Difference between seed and Essential oil yield of cumin was not significant, when those seeds coated with microelements were inoculated with strain 21 and strain of. In cumin planting seeds coating with microelements and inoculation with Azospirillum, strain 21 or strain of is recommended.