Promotion of host plant growth and infection of roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita by the application of peat

Abstract

The influence of the addition of peat on arbuscular mycorrhizal formation and host plant growth was investigated using a pot experiment. Peat was mixed with Masa soil at different levels (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 g kg-1) into which an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall was inoculated, and seedlings of Miscanthus sinensis Anderess were planted. There was a significant increase in plant growth with increasing levels of peat. Root colonization and the number of proliferating spores increased with increasing levels of peat. By decreasing the bulk density, increasing the maximum water-holding capacity and the content of total nitrogen, peat addition considerably improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which might result in the promotion of plant growth and AMF activity. © 2006 Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.