144Effect of Glomus mosseae on growth of selected plant species

Abstract

Author(s): M Sandeepa G

Effect of inoculating Cajanus cajan, Arachis hypogaea, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Phyllanthus amarus with mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae) was studied using potted seedlings. Vegetative growth and root length were compared between inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Result showed that there was a high mycorrhizal dependency of the selected plants on G. mosseae. Mycorrhizal fungal inoculated selected plants seedlings grew significant better compared to non-mycorrhizal controlled seedlings, and had increased height. C. cajan, A. hypogeae and O. tenuiflorum showed well established root colonization 87.6%, 86% and 93.5% respectively. Plant architecture and reproductive traits were changed by mycorrhizal fungi inoculation. Plants inoculated with G. mosseae invested more in the root development for effective nutrient absorption, which was the fundamental to achieve the maximum growth of the plants. The symbiosis of mycorrhizal fungi and rice would be of benefit to crop growth and grain yield.