Effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza on plant growth of four ornamental annuals (Dianthus chinensis x barbatus, Impatiens wallerana, Petunia x hybrida and Viola x wittrockiana) commonly grown in South Africa

Abstract

Commercial AM fungi isolates, Rhizophagus clarus, Gigaspora gigantea, Funneliformis mosseae, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Paraglomus occulum were tested on four seasonal ornamentals, Dianthus chinensis x barbatus, Impatiens wallerana, Petunia x hybrid and Viola x wittrockiana planted in peat-base medium. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse with three replicates in a completely randomised design. Various vegetative (height, width, length, number of leaves, leaf area and dry biomass) and reproductive (number of flowers and buds) plant parts were measured in the course of three months. AM fungi was found to increase seedling growth and reduced seedling mortality rate of all the plants studied. Inoculated plants produced more leaves (16-33%) and grew taller (12-28%). Dry biomass of inoculated Dianthus, Impatiens and Viola plants were significantly increased by 25-53%. All plants under low colonisation rates displayed mycotrophic qualities and net growth output thereof were found to be similar to plants with equal or higher colonisation rate. Mortality were less frequent in inoculated plants and they were also less susceptible to transplant shock.