Summary
This field trial examined dual inoculation with commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal mixtures (Symbivit) and saprotrophic fungal-inoculated bark chips to enhance both yield and nutritional quality in onion cultivation. The M1 mixture (six AMF species) achieved a near-doubling of bulb fresh weight, whilst dual inoculation increased yield by >50%; all treatments except single-fungus inoculum significantly elevated total antioxidant capacity and selectively enhanced mineral content. The strong correlation between AM colonization and growth response suggests mycorrhizal symbiosis was the primary driver of the observed improvements.
Regional applicability
The study does not specify geographic location, limiting direct transferability assessment. However, the use of commercial AMF products and saprotrophic fungi suitable for temperate horticulture suggests potential relevance to United Kingdom onion production systems, particularly within sustainable and organic cultivation frameworks where fungal inoculants are permitted inputs.
Key measures
Bulb fresh weight (%), AM colonization rate (correlation r = 0.83), total antioxidant capacity, mineral element content (Mg, K)
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of dual inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and saprotrophic fungi on onion bulb fresh weight, AM colonization rates, total antioxidant capacity, and mineral element content (Mg and K). Dual inoculation treatments resulted in yield increases of up to 100% and enhanced nutritional parameters compared to control.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.