author(s)
Aayushi D Vaidya, AM Navale, RT Gaikwad, BT Patil, Ritu S Thakare and Vijaya B Athwale

abstract
The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2024-25 at the Experimental farm of Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, MPKV, Rahuri, to isolate, characterize and evaluate efficient plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Nine bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere and identified as belonging to Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus species based on morphological, physiological and biochemical traits. Laboratory assays revealed their potential for nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and potassium mobilization. A field experiment laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications assessed the effect of PGPR with graded NPK levels. Results indicated that the combined application of PGPR with 100% NPK significantly improved vine length, number of primary branches, fruit yield compared to control and sole NPK application. The study highlights the potential of integrating PGPR with reduced fertilizer doses for sustainable cultivation of bottle gourd.