Summary
This pot experiment evaluated the capacity of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi strains (Glomus mosseae and Glomus gigaspora) to suppress Fusarium root rot and enhance chlorophyll content in Amaranthus hybridus grown in sandy loam soil. Combined AMF inoculation (Gm+Gg) reduced disease severity most effectively, whilst Glomus mosseae treatment improved chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll concentrations compared with pathogen-infected controls. The findings suggest AMF-based bioprotection may enhance both disease resistance and nutritional quality in this economically important leafy vegetable crop under pathogenic stress.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Nigeria's sandy loam soils under tropical conditions and may have limited direct transferability to United Kingdom temperate climates and soil types. However, the principles of using indigenous mycorrhizal inoculants for disease suppression and nutrient enhancement in vegetable production could inform UK horticultural practice, particularly in organic systems seeking biological alternatives to synthetic fungicides.
Key measures
Fusarium root rot disease severity; chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content (μg/g⁻¹ fresh weight); foliar nutrient yield
Outcomes reported
The study measured chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, b, and total) and foliar nutrient yield in Amaranthus hybridus seedlings under Fusarium oxysporum pathogen stress. Disease severity, chlorophyll concentrations, and nutrient composition were assessed across eight treatment combinations of AMF strains and pathogen inoculation.
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