ABSTRACT
Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth of some horticultural seedlings in nursery and subsequent transplanting

Rosa Rubio H., Marcela Cepeda P., Fernando Borie B.1 y Aliro Contreras N.
 

The effect of the inoculation with two strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF Glomus sp., M1 and Glomus etnicatum CH110, M2) on the growth of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), parsley (Petroselinum hortense) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was studied under glasshouse conditions. Furthermore, the effect of two irrigation frecuencies (H1 and H2) on the yield of inoculated parsley was determined being H2 the treatment which produced the major stress. On the other hand, the behaviour of bell pepper seedlings in the nursery and subsequent transplanting in the field was also studied.
Results showed that the inoculation with an effective AMF (M1) produced a higher average yield over 70%,200% and 400% than the controls on coriander, parsley and bell pepper, respectively. The rate of root colonization (% 1) were: bell pepper > coriander > parsley. In spite ofthe higher yield obtained in parsley with H1 than H2 it was with the later where the benefits of the inoculation were more striking. On the other hand, no stunting was produced in the transplanting of bell pepper from nursery to the field. Bearing in mind the high AM dependency showed by bell pepper it would be necessary to re-inoculate the soil with an effective AMF when fumigants are used for controling plant pathogens and diseases.

Keywords: Arbuscular-mycorrhizal, water stress, nursery, parsley, coriander, bell pepper.
1 Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.