Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation enhances growth and phosphorus uptake in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seedlings under varying phosphorus levels
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/josac.2026.v35.i1.10139Keywords:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Apparent phosphorus recovery efficiency, Nutrient uptake, Soil enzyme activityAbstract
A pot experiment conducted during 2022–23 and 2023–24 evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and phosphorus (P) levels on growth, nutrient uptake, and soil enzyme activity in nutmeg seedlings. AM fungi, P, and their interaction significantly influenced growth and nutrient accumulation, particularly phosphorus. The highest shoot length (174 cm), root length (55.5 cm), and stem girth (9.5 mm) were recorded with 50 g AM fungi × 100% P, indicating a strong AM–P interaction. while the highest dry matter (600 g) and phosphorus recovery efficiency (17.17%) occurred with 50 g AM fungi × 50% P. AM fungal spore density peaked (35 spores 50 g⁻¹ soil) under 50 g AM fungi × 75% P. Nutrient accumulation varied among plant parts, with stems as the main sink. AM fungi also enhanced soil enzyme activities, demonstrating their synergistic role with moderate P in sustainable nutmeg seedling growth.
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Copyright (c) 2026 C Sarathambal, V Srinivasan, C N Biju, M Faisal Peeran, V A Muhammed Nissar, Fathima Dilkush, Anitta Abraham, K Anjali
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