Interactive effect of AM fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) with Mycorrhiza-like fungus Serendipita indica and PGPR Bacillus sonorensis on growth of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

The pot culture experiment was conducted in polyhouse to evaluate the soil inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae, Serendipita indica (formally known as Piriformospora indica) and Bacillus sonorensis singly and in combination on the growth of French bean. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design with six treatments and eight replications. Various plant growth parameters viz., plant height, stem diameter, biovolume index, shoot and root dry weight were recorded. The microbial parameters like mycorrhizal root colonization, spore count and colony forming units of B. sonorensis were monitored at 30 and 60 days after sowing. The results of the present study bring out that dual inoculation with F. mosseae + B. sonorensis, and F. mosseae alone promoted the plant growth compared to other treatments. The mycorrhizal root colonization and number of spores were found to be significantly higher in the treatment inoculated with F. mosseae + B. sonorensis. This brings out the positive interaction of the F. mosseae and B. sonorensis inoculants on each other resulting in the improvement of plant growth, whereas F. mosseae + S. indica resulted in reduced plant growth bringing out the negative interaction.