Effect of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and fertiliser application on the growth of marigold

Abstract

The effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and different fertiliser rates (compound and superphosphate) on the growth of marigolds were studied in an unsterilised potting mix and in Dunmore silt loam. Inoculation and especially fertiliser application significantly increased shoot length, and shoot and flower dry weight. Flower number was also increased significantly by fertiliser application but not by inoculation. Increasing fertiliser application depressed mycorrhizal root colonisation. Mycorrhizal inoculation may lead to growth responses in bedding plants raised in artificial mix, over and above the effects of fertiliser application.

Keywords:

• marigold
• fungi
• mycorrhizae
• symbiosis
• Tagetes erecta