Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum production for use in horticulture

Abstract

This paper discusses the feasibility of applying arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) technology to horticultural production systems. Horticulture easily lends itself to AM inoculation because most horticultural plants are initially established in nurseries under controlled conditions. The application of AMF can greatly reduce production costs especially when applied together with other beneficial microorganisms such as Rhizobium, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria or when combined with cheap sources of phosphorus such as Rock phosphate and other biotechnologies such as micropropagation. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and their benefits in horticultural systems are briefly described in this paper. Some examples where AMF have been practically used in horticultural systems and the need to manage indigenous AMF population through sound agricultural practices are also discussed. Artificial inoculation with efficient AM fungi is, however, emphasized because indigenous AMF populations have greatly been reduced by monocultural practices. Furthermore, even when indigenous AMF are present, their efficacy is not guaranteed and hence the need for artificial inoculation. Different inoculum production systems and inoculation procedures are discussed. Finally some of the ways in which the efficacy of AMF inocula can be improved are discussed.

Keywords application, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, horticulture, inoculum

Journal of Tropical Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 2(1) 2006: 46-52