Optimal Exploitation of Native Arbuscular and Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae for Improving the Yield of Banana through IPNM

Abstract

The R&D banana orchard of the North Maharashtra University harboured diversified species of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi belonging to the genera <i>Glomus, Gigaspora, Sclerocystis </i>and <i>Scutellospora.</i> These fungi infected the roots severely (78.3%) and showed elevated (68.7 g^-1 soil) spore density in the mycorrhizosphere of plants for integrated plant nutrition management (IPNM) system as compared to chemical fertilizers alone (traditional farming; 49.2% & 39.3 g^-1 soil). This resulted in retardation of the establishment of nematodes in root zone of IPNM treatment (2.1 g^-1 soil) as compared to chemical treatment (5.5 g^-1 soil). VAM fungi enabled proper nourishment and protection of crop in IPNM treatment as compared to traditional way, which was evident from (a) reduced plant mortality (12%) of planted sword suckers, (b) enhanced greenery (foliar chlorophyll

778 μg g^-1), (c) improved nutrient uptake on dry weight basis (3.62% N; 0.31 % P; & 6.45% K), (d) elevated finger number (137.6 per bunch) size (length 21.6 cm & girth 12.4 cm) and weight (130.8 g), and (e) overall vigour and robustness. Hence, exploitation of V AM through adoption of IPNM system revealed the (i) relatively increased banana productivity (76.5%,72 tonnes ha^-1) and recyclable biowaste (36.6 kg), (ii) saving of 50% chemical fertilizers,

and (iii) permitted control over soil fertility in farmer's favour over traditional cultivation practices. These findings related to native VAM fungi in IPNM, traditional farming and typical soil systems for cultivation of bananas are discussed in detail.