Inoculation of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract

Dual inoculation of peat based horticulture substrate with a mixture of four species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and fungal biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum showed a significant positive effect on the growth and flowering of cyclamen plants. Inoculation substantially decreased plant mortality caused by spontaneous infection by the fungal pathogen Cryptocline cyclaminis. Plant mortality was also reduced by separate inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Both separately inoculated agents positively affected the plant growth, although to a lesser extent. Very few significant effects of inoculation were observed on the growth of poinsettia plants cultivated from cuttings. Use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi together with the introduction of Trichoderma for inoculation of horticultural substrates is suggested to alleviate the inevitable effects of various stresses during the cultivation of horticultural crops. Keywords: Cyclamen persicum; Euphorbia pulcherrima; inoculation; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; mycorrhizal growth response; Trichoderma harzianumHorticultural crops and flowers have been used as host plants in several experimental tests as potential target plants for practical use of mycorrhizal inoculation (Chang 1994, Lovato et al. 1995, rámek et al. 2000. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can stimulate plant growth especially in soils or substrates with lower fertility and the effect of AMF on plant nutrition mainly due to improved phosphorus nutrition has been documented (Johnson et al. 1982, Smith et al. 1986). The effect of AMF inoculation is generally more pronounced in plants growing under stress conditions, e.g. nutritional deficiency and water stress. Promotion of mycorrhizal colonisation of plant roots by inoculation facilitates adequate P nutrition, higher resistance to some root pathogens and environmental stresses (Smith and Read 1997). Inoculation of plants may increase crop uniformity and reduce transplant mortality (Waterer and Coltman 1988). It has been accepted that an appropriate management of mycorrhizal symbiosis allows reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides input (Azcón-Aguilar and Barea 1997).Since in most soils the indigenous populations of AMF are present, the preinoculation of seedlings in AMF free substrates gives the introduced fungal strain a spatial advantage over the indigenous fungi after transplanting (Powell 1981). In soilless substrates lacking the indigenous AMF or under the conditions where soils are fumigated and most of the indigenous AMF are eliminated, mycorrhizal inoculation is often successful (Nelsen et al. 1981, Vosatka et al. 1992, Vosatka 1995. Tissue cultured plants or plants grown from cuttings or small seedlings can be inoculated with pure strains of highly effective AMF with rapid colonisation rates, which allow a successful colonisation of newly formed roots after transplanting (Vosatka and Gryndler 1999).Several strains of T. harzianum have been found to exhibit a positive growth effect on the plants probably due to t...

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Enhanced Early Growth ofMallotus paniculatusandAlbizia samanunder Nursery Conditions in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…It was reported that shoot length, leaf number, and shoot dry weight were increased in P. emblica inoculated with G. fasciculatum, S. dussi, and A. laevis [26] and in Senna spectabilis (Fabaceae) inoculated with G. etunicatum and Glomus macrocarpum [28]. In contrast to our results, inoculation with a mixture of Glomus claroideum, G. mosseae, G. intraradices, and G. geosporum did not increase plant height, stem dry weight, and leaf dry weight of Euphorbia pulcherrima due to the late inoculation and poor colonization (34%) [29]. Similarly, poor colonization by commercial AM fungi (0.17%) did not increase plant height, collar root diameter, and biomass production of A. saman 30-170 days after transplanting [30].…”

Inoculation of tomato seedlings with Trichoderma Harzianum and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and their effect on growth and control of wilt in tomato seedlings

“…Observed significant (P < 0.05) growth due to mycorrhizal infection in tomatoes confirms other reports that AMF symbiosis with host plant has an improved growth effect (10,22). Increased growth due to mycorrhizal infection is mainly attributed to improved phosphorous and micronutrient uptake in the host plant (13,20).…”

Technology for efficient and successful delivery of vermicompost colonized bioinoculants in Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) Benth.

“…Inoculation with AM fungi at very early stages has been found to result in higher crop uniformity, reduce transplant mortality (Waterer and Coltman 1988) and higher yields after transplanting to the field (Lovato et al 1996;Vosalka 1995). Since in most soils the indigenous population of AM fungi/bioinoculants are present, the pre-inoculation of cuttings in sterilized substrates in nurseries, provides the introduced bacterial/ fungal strains a special advantage over the indigenous bacterial/fungal strains after transplanting in field (Dubsky et al 2002;Sorensen et al 2008). Bierman and Linderman (1983) reported that even low levels of root colonization (\10%) spread rapidly to new roots after transplanting which might be adequate for successful establishment of mycorrhizal plants after transplanting; a colonization of 18-21% was observed in nursery in the present study.…”