Effects of seven different mycorrhizal inoculum in persea americana in sterile and non-sterile soil

Abstract

Some mycorrhizal fungal species could have certain compatibility and efficiency in the development of the host. Recently, avocado producers became interested in the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for the production of plants in nurseries; therefore, it is important to revise the inoculants that are more efficient to this crop. The native microbiota could interfere in the establishment of introduced AMF. A 2 factorial experimental design was used. The first factor, AMF, had 8 levels, with 6 AMF species (Rhizophagus fasciculatum, Gigaspora margarita, Claroideoglomus etunicatum̧ Pacispora scintillans, Rhizophagus intraradices, Acaulospora laevis), a commercial consortia (MTZ-UV1) and a non-mycorrhizal control. The second factor, soil treatment, had 2 levels (sterile and not). Sterile soil treatments had a higher growth and the AMF inoculation increased the height, diameter, fresh and dry weight of the leaves. The inoculant Rhizophagus fasciculatum in sterile soil had tendency of the highest growth in most of the variables. On the other hand, Pacispora scintillans and Acaulospora laevis in not sterile soil decreased the plant growth. The results obtained showed possible plant-AMF compatibility, as well as the importance of the sterilization of the soil before AMF inoculation.