Azotobacter chroococcum inoculation can improve plant growth and resistance of maize to armyworm, Mythimna separata even under reduced nitrogen fertilizer application.

These results help in understanding of the effects of low-level N-fertilizer and A. chroococcum inoculation on maize production and maize resistance to insects. This will be conducive to the integrated control of agricultural pests. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.