Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Productivity of Sugarcane Under Field Conditions

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of native inoculum and inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF, Funneliformis mosseae KKU-BRP-KK6-2) on growth and productivity of sugarcane variety Khon Kaen 3 in the presence or absence of P fertilizer. Treatments included (1) control with native inoculum, (2) inoculation with F. mosseae with native inoculum (AMF), (3) inoculation with F. mosseae with native inoculum and with half dosage of P fertilizer (AMF + 50%F) and (4) full dosage of fertilizer (100%F) with native inoculum. Mycorrhizal colonization was significantly higher in both AMF treatments compared to the uninoculated treatments, suggesting inoculum limitation in sugarcane fields. Both of inoculation and P fertilization increased plant nutrient uptake (NPK), plant biomass and productivity as compared to the control. The highest plant biomass and productivity were observed in the AMF + 50%F treatment. Moreover, initial AMF colonization after 4 months was significantly correlated with soil properties, biomass and productivity. We conclude that inoculation with F. mosseae is an important factor to promote sugarcane productivity. Inoculum addition could also result in substantial P fertilizer reduction with 50% dose.