Micropropagated banana infected with Meloidogyne javanica responds to Glomus intraradices and phosphorus

Abstract

The effects of the interaction between the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices Schenk and Smith and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood on growth and nutrition of micropropagated 'Grand Naine' banana (Musa AAA) were studied under greenhouse conditions. Inoculation with G. intraradices significantly increased growth of plants in relation to nonmycorrhizal plants and was more effective than P fertilization in promoting plant development. Mycorrhizal colonization did not affect nematode buildup in the roots, although plants with the nematode and mycorrhiza were more galled. Meloidogyne javanica had no effect on the percentage of root colonization in mycorrhiza-inoculated plants. No element deficiency was detected by foliar analysis. All elements were within sufficiency levels for banana with exception of N, which was low. Potassium levels were lower in mycorrhizal plants, while Ca and Mg levels were higher with mycorrhiza than without, with or without the nematode. Early inoculation with G. intraradices appears to favor growth of banana plants by enhancing plant nutrition.