VAM Mycorhizal Inoculation into Potato (Solanum tuberosum)Greenhouse and in the Field Response and Growth ofPlants Inoculated

Abstract

The response of potato plants to VAM inoculation was studied using plats produced from tubers and cuttings and tested under greenhouse and field conditions. Three species of mycorrhizal fungi were tested, but only Glomus fasciculatum "E3" was found associated with the crop infecting 33% of the root system. This association produced a significant increase of tubers dry weight and total dry weight at greenhouse conditions. Mariva and Tomasa Condemayta rooted stem cuttings were inoculated and transplanted o seedbeds with sterilized soil. A similar group was planted directly to the field. In both cases, the soil was sandy-loam, pH 7.8, and contained 15 ppm of Phosphorus. A positive response was noted since the beginning of the growing season in the seedbeds, and this effect was greater in T. Condemayta. Inoculated plants of both varieties showed a highly significant response in total dry weight, tuber yield, and total nutrient content with respect to non-inoculated. The benefits of growth in these plants were in direct relationship to the degree of root infection. Non-positive results were observed in the inoculated cutting transplanted to the field.

Additional index Words: Stem cuttings, seedbeds, dry weight, Sandy-loam