In order to investige the effect of nitrogen and Azospirillum biological fertilizers on the growth and yield of an Iranian bread wheat (Roshan cultivar) this study was carried out using a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at a field in Jozan region, Isfahan, Iran in 2013. The experimental factors included Azospirillum brasilense bacterium at two levels (inoculated or non-inoculated), and nitrogen fertilizer at five levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of N). The application of Azospirillum increased grain yield and agronomic characteristics including the number of spikes m-2, 100-seed weight, protein content and SPAD number. The interaction effects of the two factors were also significant on grain yield, number of spikes m-2, 100-seed weight and grain protein content (P≤0.05) and plant height and SPAD number (P≤0.01). The greatest grain yield (4607 kg ha-1), grain protein content (12.71%) and SPAD number (53.33) obtained from the plants treated with Azospirillum and N-fertilizer at 50 kg ha-1. The highest number of spikes per m2 (471.42) and 100-seed weight (48.4 g) were produced by Azospirillum inoculation and N-fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg ha-1. Overall, the inoculation with Azospirillum bacteria and the application of 50 kg ha-1 N seemed suitable to achieve maximum grain yield, to reduce the adverse environmental impacts and to maintain the N-fertilizer. Albeit, further recommendation warrants future studies.
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