Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization on nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and growth of Aloe vera L.

Abstract

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake and shoot growth of Aloe vera was investigated. Plants were inoculated with one of two AM fungi, Glomus clarum or Gigaspora decipiens. Control plants were not inoculated. Plants were grown under glasshouse conditions in a peat land soil without fertilizers for 12 months. Inoculated A. vera plants were colonized with AM fungi. Total length of leaves and number of leaves were higher in inoculated plants than uninoculated plants 12 months after inoculation. Shoot N and P concentrations were higher in inoculated plants than uninoculated plants. Shoot fresh weight was increased by AM colonization. This result suggests that AM colonization can increase the nutrient uptake and growth of A. vera.