Improved Physiological Performances of Sugarcane During Maturation and Ripening Phase by Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Funneliformis mosseae KKU-BRP-KK6-2, inoculation on sugarcane physiology during the maturation and ripening phases under field conditions. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications and four treatments, including (1) a control, (2) inoculation with AMF alone: AMF, (3) inoculation with AMF and application of a half dose of chemical fertilizer: AMF + 50%F and (4) application of a full dose of chemical fertilizer: 100%F. After 9 to 12 months of planting, the leaf area index (LAI), height, and diameter in plants treated with AMF + 50%F were recorded highest among all the treatments and were significantly higher than control. The leaf colour intensity (SCMR) values in AMF + 50%F treatments were the highest of all treatments and were significantly higher than the control after 11–12 months, while the relative water content (RWC) in AMF + 50%F treated plants was significantly higher than control after 12 months. After 10–12 months, the percentage Brix value and total fresh weight in sugarcane treated with AMF + 50%F was recorded highest. These results indicate that the application of an effective AMF strain may play an important role in sugarcane physiology in terms of nutrient acquisition, which leads to support plant growth and photosynthetic components that help to improve plant biomass and sugar accumulation.