Competitive interactions amongst four species of Glomus on maize and onion

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Maize and onion plants were infected with four species of Glomus in all fifteen possible combinations. Growth of maize was enhanced similarly in all treatments whereas onion plants showed differential growth effects. Inocula containing more than one endophyte gave more consistent results, although spore yields were lower, in mixed inocula compared with inocula of single species. G. clarum spored prolifically throughout the treatments. Maize plants produced three times the number of spores compared with onions. G. clarum was a good competitor and G. caledonium much less efficient. Mixed inocula are suggested for field inoculations.