Effects of PGPR bacteria and seed ageing on improving common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield and yield components

To study the effects of different levels of seed ageing and bacteria inoculation on yield of common bean at field conditions، an experiment was carried out as factorial arranged in RCBD design with three replications at Research Farm of University of Tehran (Karaj-Iran) in 2012. Treatments consisted of four levels of seed ageing (0 (control)، 3، 6 and 9 days at 41°C and 90-100% relative humidity) and bacterial inoculations at four levels (Control (no bacteria)، Rhizobium oligominusarum، Pseudomonas putida and co-inoculation by Rhizobium oligominusarum and Pseudomonas putida). Results showed that application of bacterial inoculants significantly increased grain yield and yield components of common bean compared to non-inoculated plants. However، the highest values of these traits were observed with co-inoculation by Rhizobium oligominusarum and Pseudomonas putida. Results showed that interaction between ageing and bacteria inoculation was significant for 100 grain weight.