Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are often applied as bio-inoculants due to their plant growth promoting benefits. The objectives of the present work were to maximize the shelf life of monoxenically produced carrier-based AM fungal bio-inocula of Rhizoglomus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae. Shelf life of in vitro produced inoculum was studied by assessing the infectivity potential of in vitro produced inocula in an optimum carrier formulation (vermiculite: cow dung powder: wood powder: wood ash in the ratio of 20:8:2:1) during storage at three different temperatures viz., 4 °C, 25 °C and room temperature (RT). The re-germination potential of in vitro produced spores from carrier-based inocula to in vitro conditions was also examined. The in vitro produced inocula stored at 25 °C remained viable up to 6 mo in the organic carrier formulation. 100 % germination was recorded when the spores of both AM species were cultured back to in vitro conditions indicating high viability, and efficiency of the carrier formulation in maintaining vigour of in vitro produced propagules.
Highlights
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are biotrophic symbionts that provide beneficial effects to a wide range of host plant species [1]
Infectivity potential of in vitro prepared inocula in carrier formulation during storage Upon storage the infectivity potential of in vitro prepared inocula of both the AM fungal species viz., R. intraradices and F. mosseae were observed to be optimum at 25 °C when compared to other storage temperatures (4 °C and room temperature) used in the study
AM fungal colonization levels ranged from 89-93% for R. intraradices and 85-90% for F. mosseae when stored at 25 °C indicating that the inocula did not lose infectivity potential even after 6 mo of storage
Summary
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are biotrophic symbionts that provide beneficial effects to a wide range of host plant species [1]. They represent a key link between soil and plants, and have gained a growing attention as ecosystem engineers and bio-inoculants [2,3,4]. The type of carrier materials used, their physico-chemical properties and the proportions incorporated proved that the organic carrier formulation prepared is suitable for mass production of in vitro produced AM fungal inocula. Non-availability of good quality and appropriate carrier materials can affect shelf life of the beneficial microbial inoculants. Moisture content, storage conditions plus storage temperature are important determinants of the shelf life of microbial inoculants or formulations and can affect their activity pre-or post-application [17,18,19,20,21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
