Growth Of Maize Plants Research Articles

Effect of different irrigation systems on root growth of maize and cowpea plants in sandy soil

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University to study the influence of different irrigation systems on root length density and specific root length of maize and cowpea plants cultivated in sandy soil. Three irrigation systems (Surface, drip and sprinkler irrigation) were used in this study. The NPK fertilizers were applied as recommended doses for maize and cowpea. Root samples were collected from the soil profile below one plant (maize and cowpea) which was irrigated by the three irrigation systems by using an iron box (30 cm × 20 cm) which is divided into 24 small boxes each box is (5 × 5 × 5 cm) . At surface irrigation, root length density of cowpea reached to soil depth 30-40cm with lateral distances 5-10 cm and 15-20 cm. Vertical distribution of root length density of maize was increased with soil depth till 20-25 cm, and then it decreased till soil depth 35-40cm. Under drip irrigation, root length density of cowpea increased horizontally from 0-5cm to 10-15cm then it decreased till soil depth 25-30 cm and below this depth root length density disappeared. For the root length density and specific root length of maize under drip irrigation, the data showed that root length density and specific root length decreased with increasing in soil depth. The root length density of cowpea under sprinkler irrigation at 0-5cm disappeared from horizontal distance at 25-30 cm. The data showed that root length density of maize under sprinkler irrigation was higher at the soil top layers 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm than other layers from 10-40 cm.

Mineral phosphorus fertilization modulates interactions between maize, rhizosphere yeasts and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Yeasts are abundant and diverse in rhizosphere soil, but information about their importance in agroecosystems is limited. Here we examined maize plant growth response to inoculation with the native maize rhizosphere yeasts Cryptococcus flavus and Candida railenensis in non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal maize without and with mineral P fertilization as KH2PO4. Maize plant growth promotion and suppression was observed after inoculation with a native community of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi with and without mineral P fertilization, respectively. Inoculation with Cr. flavus reduced shoot biomass of maize plants irrespective of the mycorrhizal status, but only without P fertilization. AM fungal root colonization was increased by C. railenensis without P fertilization, but was reduced by Cr. flavus in combination with mineral P fertilization. In conclusion, our results show that mineral P fertilization strongly modulates interactions between maize, rhizosphere yeasts and AM fungi, which are important to take into account when integrating such root associated microorganisms as biofertilizers in agroecosystems.

Enhancement of maize plant growth with inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and biochar amendment in soil

ABSTRACTMaize plant has an absolute requirement of nutrients (N, P, and K) for growth and development. The microbial application can facilitate in addressing limited access to chemical fertilizer concern. Moreover, biochar and phosphorus-solubilizing bacterial (PSB) community can contribute together in nutrient availability. Both have the P-supply potential to the soil, but their interaction has been tested less under semiarid climatic conditions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential of biochemically tested promising PSB strains and biochar for maize plant growth and nutritional status in plant and soil. Therefore, two isolated PSB strains from maize rhizosphere were biochemically tested in vitro and identified by 16S rDNA gene analysis. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse where the plant growth and nutrient availability to the plants were observed. In this regard, all the treatments such as PSB strain-inoculated plants, biochar-treated plants, and a combination of PSBs + biochar-treated plants were destructively sampled on day 45 (D45) and day 65 (D65) of sowing with four replications at each time. PSB inoculation, biochar incorporation, and their combinations have positive effects on maize plant height and nutrient concentration on D45 and D65. In particular, plants treated with sawdust biochar + Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain 31MZR inoculation increased N (32.8%), P (72.5%), and K (42.1%) against control on D65. Besides that, only L. fusiformis strain 31MZR inoculation enhanced N (23.1%) and P (61.5%) than control which shows the significant interaction of PSB and biochar in nutrient uptake. PSB and biochar have the potential to be used as a promising amendment in improving plant growth and nutrient absorption besides the conventional approaches.

Cu-chitosan nanoparticle boost defense responses and plant growth in maize (Zea mays L.)

In agriculture, search for biopolymer derived materials are in high demand to replace the synthetic agrochemicals. In the present investigation, the efficacy of Cu-chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) to boost defense responses against Curvularia leaf spot (CLS) disease of maize and plant growth promotry activity were evaluated. Cu-chitosan NPs treated plants showed significant defense response through higher activities of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) and defense enzymes (polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase). Significant control of CLS disease of maize was recorded at 0.04 to 0.16% of Cu-chitosan NPs treatments in pot and 0.12 to 0.16% of NPs treatments in field condition. Further, NPs treatments exhibited growth promotry effect in terms of plant height, stem diameter, root length, root number and chlorophyll content in pot experiments. In field experiment, plant height, ear length, ear weight/plot, grain yield/plot and 100 grain weight were enhanced in NPs treatments. Disease control and enhancement of plant growth was further enlightened through Cu release profile of Cu-chitosan NPs. This is an important development in agriculture nanomaterial research where biodegradable Cu-chitosan NPs are better compatible with biological control as NPs “mimic” the natural elicitation of the plant defense and antioxidant system for disease protection and sustainable growth.

Potential impacts of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide on yield and plant growth of rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) crops

Free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) facility was used to conduct the experiments during 2011-12 and 2012-13 cropping seasons for assessing the growth and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L) and maize (Zea mays L). The concentration of CO2 was kept 550± 30 ppm in enriched condition. The concentration of ambient condition was 395±30. Recommended doses of NPK fertilizers were given to both the crops. Plant growth and yield parameters were measured and analyzed for both the conditions. Assessment revealed that the plant height of rice and maize did not change significantly. A significant (F= 9.800; P<0.02) change was noticed in the post-harvest index of rice. However, there no change was noticed in the post-harvest percentage of maize. Leaf area of rice (P<0.01) and maize (P<0.005) increased significantly at flowering stage of plants under enriched CO2 environment over the ambient. Under elevated CO2 condition, biological yields of rice and maize were improved by 14.3% and 17.2% respectively. Carbon dioxide enrichment exposure improved the grain yield by16. 2% (P<0.02) and 13.8% ( P<0.02) for rice and maize respectively.

Microbial Solubilization of Rock Phosphate to Use in Sustainable Agriculture

Microbial solubiliztion is more environmentally sound method of modifying rock phosphate to use in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to chemical acidulation. Therefore, the present study was carried out to find the strategies for microbial solubilization of Eppawala rock phosphate with using biochar and microbial inoculants and effect of these on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield. A pot experiment was carried out in the plant house at Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, during July to December 2015. After searching the literature the following ratios of biochar and RP were selected assuming that the better comparison obtained in different treatments. Treatments were comprised of T1: soil only, T2: sterilized soil and 3% RP, T3: soil and 3% RP, T4: soil, 20% biochar and 3% RP, T5: soil, mycorrhizae and 3% RP, T6: soil, Pseudomonas fluorescens and 3% RP, T7: soil, 20% biochar, mycorrhizae and 3% RP, T8: soil, 20% biochar, P. fluorescens and 3% RP, T9: soil, mycorrhizae, P. fluorescens and 3% RP, and T10: soil, 20% biochar, mycorrhizae, P. fluorescens and 3% RP. The treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with eight replicates. Maize was grown as a test plant. Growth parameters were recorded in four weeks intervals and relative growth rate was estimated. After 120 days of seeding, chemical characteristics and yield parameters were also measured. Results indicated that there was a significant difference among treatments (p<0.05) in all measured parameters over control. The highest available soil phosphorus was observed in biochar, mycorrhizae and P. fluorescens addition with 3% RP (T10) and highest leaf phosphorus was observed in biochar and mycorrhizae with 3% RP (T7). Significantly high (p<0.05) relative growth rate, numbers of leaves, length of leaves, shoot and root dry weights were observed in sterilized soil with 3% RP (T2). This higher growth and yield parameters of T2 may due to soil heating which increases certain soluble mineral nutrients availability. However, growth rate and yield were shown lower in biochar added treatments (T4, T7, T8 and T10). Short term influence of high amount of (20% v/v) biochar alone in plant growth and yield is less. It can be concluded that biochar, mycorrhizae and P. fluorescens are effective in solubilizing the high grade Eppawala rock phosphate. Further, microbial inoculants such as mycorrhizae and P. fluorescens increased the soil P availability and increased P nutrition, growth and yield of maize plants. Keywords: Rock phosphate, biochar, mycorrhizae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, phosphorus availability

Morpho-physiological and biochemical response of maize (Zea mays L.) plants fertilized with nano-iron (Fe3O4) micronutrient

ABSTRACTNano-sized formulations of micronutrient iron (Fe) were found to substantially alter the growth and metabolism of maize plants. Plants fertilized with the optimal recommended dose of Fe in the nano-form (54 μM) registered an enhancement in morphological features, viz. plant height, biomass (shoot and root), and diminution in antioxidant enzyme activities than the plants fertilized with the sub-optimal dose of Fe in the macroform (salts). However, half of the recommended dosage of Fe (27 μM) in the nano-form positively influenced leaf area and proline content of plants too. This indicated that there is a possibility of reducing the dose of Fe supplement for plants in the nano-form to increase the nutrient use efficiency in a major cereal crop like maize. This may open a new era in plant nutrient management with a scope for improvement in nutrient use efficiency using nano-nutrient formulations.

Controlled release fertilizers using superabsorbent hydrogel prepared by gamma radiation

Abstract Superabsorbent hydrogels (PVP/CMC) based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC) of different copolymer compositions were prepared by gamma radiation. Factors affecting the gel content (%) and the swelling ratio (g/g) of hydrogel such as irradiation dose as well as copolymer composition were investigated. With increasing the CMC content in PVP/CMC hydrogels, increases the swelling and improves the water retention capability. The high swelling ratio was observed at copolymer composition of PVP/CMC (60/40). Fast swelling of the hydrogels was obtained after 20 min. The effect of different fertilizers and buffers of different pH’s on equilibrium swelling of hydrogels was investigated. Fertilizers such as urea, monopotassium-phosphate (MPK), and nitrogen-phosphate-potassium (NPK) were loaded onto the hydrogel to supply nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous nutrients. PVP/CMC hydrogels retained 28–36% after 72 h and slow retention was noticed up to 9 days. The swelling of hydrogel in fertilizer solutions is lower than that in water. The hydrogels showed adsorption desorption of fertilizers which governs by slow release property. The release rate of urea is much higher 10 times than that of phosphate. After 3 days, urea released 60%, while phosphate released 10–12%. The applicability of PVP/CMC hydrogels in the agricultural fields shows greater growth effect on zea maize plants. The growth of zea maize plant in soil mixed with PVP/CMC hydrogels loaded fertilizers is greater than untreated soil. The slow release fertilize, the high swelling and the slow water retention behaviors of PVP/CMC hydrogels encourage their use as safer release systems for fertilizers and as soil conditioner in agricultural applications.

Exogenous proline enhances nutrient uptake and confers tolerance to salt stress in maize (Zea mays L.)

Proline accumulation is the main adaptive mechanism to salinity in plants. The pot experiments were carried out to mitigate the adverse effects of NaCl stress on BARI Hybrid Maize-5 and Hybrid Maize Pacific-987 by exogenous application of proline. Plants were exposed to different concentrations of NaCl at vegetative stage. Proline solutions were sprayed over maize leaves at both vegetative and tasseling stages. NaCl stress caused significant reductions in plant growth of maize. NaCl stress at 50 mM drastically reduced the growth of maize plant. Salt stress also reduced reproductive growth, grain yield, chlorophyll contents, K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient (NPS) uptake in both maize varieties. Exogenously applied proline improved growth and grain yield of BARI Hybrid Maize-5 at 25 mM NaCl stress condition. Additionally, BARI Hybrid Maize-5 conferred tolerance to 50 mM NaCl stress with 25 mM proline. Proline application significantly increased K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient uptake by maize under salt stress. The present study suggests that proline improves salt tolerance of maize by increasing the K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient uptake, particularly P uptake.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 409-417, 2016

Growth and metabolic responses of maize roots to straw biochar application at different rates

Biochar application in soil has been increasingly suggested as an option to improve soil ecosystem functions and optimize agricultural systems. The main goal of the present work was to explore the effects of straw biochar application at different dosages on the growth and metabolic processes of maize plants, especially roots. Field and pot experiments were conducted independently, in which maize plants were grown in soil amended with straw-biochar at dosages of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 15% and 30% (w/w). Metabolic profiling in both leaves and roots were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Biochar application at rates from 1% to 5% caused growth and physiological changes of maize plants including increases in plant height and stem diameter, and improvements of chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate, which led to an increase in grain and straw yield. The root growth in maize seedlings was stimulated at a BC dose of 5% and was inhibited up to a dose of 30%, which was characterized by changes in root elongation, root thickening, lateral root branching and root cell viability. A wide range of metabolic responses, including changes in metabolomic profile, and metabolism of sugars and amino acids, may also contribute to the observed stimulation of plant growth following BC application at an optimum dosage of 5%. The present results provided a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the enhanced plant productivity and its relationship with biochar application rates.

Growth promotion of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants by single and mixed cultures of efficient phosphate solubilizing bacteria that are tolerant to abiotic stress and pesticides

The aims of this study were, to analyze in vitro phosphate solubilization activity of six native peanut bacteria and to determine the effect of single and mixed inoculation of these bacteria on peanut and maize plants. Ability to produce organic acids and cofactor PQQ, to solubilize FePO4 and AlPO4 and phosphatase activity were analyzed. Also, the ability to solubilize phosphate under abiotic stress and in the presence of pesticides of the selected bacteria was determined. The effect of single and mixed bacterial inocula was analyzed on seed germination, maize plant growth and in a crop rotation plant assay with peanut and maize. The six strains produced gluconic acid and five released cofactor PQQ into the medium. All bacteria showed ability to solubilize phosphate from FePO4 and AlPO4 and phosphatase activity. The ability of the bacteria to solubilize tricalcium phosphate under abiotic stress and in presence of pesticides indicated encouraging results. Bacterial inoculation on peanut and maize increased seed germination, plant́s growth and P content.Phosphate solubilizing bacteria used in this study showed efficient phosphate mineralizing and solubilization ability and would be potential P-biofertilizers for peanut and maize.

Effects of two new siderophore-producing rhizobacteria on growth and iron content of maize and canola plants

ABSTRACTSiderophore-producing rhizobacteria beneficially affect plant growth by providing available iron to plants. In this study, bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of canola (Brassica napus L.) plants grown in the central fields in Iran, for the presence of siderophore-producing bacteria. A total of 45 distinct isolates were found to produce siderophore using qualitative chrome azurol sulfonate (CAS)-agar assay. Of them, ten isolates, based on the highest halo diameter/colony diameter ratios, were selected to quantify the rate of siderophore production using CAS-liquid assay. A variety of biochemical assays was used to determine the type(s) of siderophores produced by each of the ten isolates. The best isolates, based on production of the highest rates of either hydroxamates or carboxylates, were identified and used in further studies. Based on 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequence analysis and a variety of phenotypic properties, the isolates were identified as Micrococcus yunnanensis YIM 65004 (T) and Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga LPM-5 (T). We also studied the plant growth-promoting effect of the most promising isolates (YIM 65004 and LPM-5) on canola and maize plants under greenhouse conditions. The results of this study showed that M. yunnanensis and S. chelatiphaga increased gain weight and iron (Fe) content of roots and shoots significantly, in comparison with control, indicating beneficial effects of these rhizobacteria on plant growth and development. This study reports M. yunnanensis and S. chelatiphaga, as new records for Iran. The latter is reported for the first time from plant (canola) rhizosphere. Besides, the ability of both M. yunnanensis and S. chelatiphaga to produce siderophores is documented for the first time.

Role of microbial inoculation and industrial by-product phosphogypsum in growth and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in calcareous soil.

Alkaline soils with high calcium carbonate and low organic matter are deficient in plant nutrient availability. Use of organic and bio-fertilizers has been suggested to improve their properties. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrative role of phosphogypsum (PG; added at 0.0, 10, 30, and 50 g PG kg-1 ), cow manure (CM; added at 50 g kg-1 ) and mixed microbial inoculation (Incl.; Azotobacter chroococcum, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and Pseudomonas fluorescens) on growth and nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in calcareous soil. Treatment effects on soil chemical and biological properties and the Cd and Pb availability to maize plants were also investigated. Applying PG decreased soil pH. The soil available P increased when soil was inoculated and/or treated with CM, especially with PG. The total microbial count and dehydrogenase activity were enhanced with PG+CM+Incl. Inoculated soils treated with PG showed significant increases in NPK uptake and maize plant growth. However, the most investigated treatments showed significant decreases in shoot micronutrients. Cd and Pb were not detected in maize shoots. Applying PG with microbial inoculation improved macronutrient uptake and plant growth. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ionomic and metabolic responses to neutral salt or alkaline salt stresses in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings

BackgroundSoil salinity and alkalinity present a serious threat to global agriculture. However, most of the studies have focused on neutral salt stress, and the information on the metabolic responses of plants to alkaline salt stress is limited. This investigation aimed at determining the influence of neutral salt and alkaline salt stresses on the content of metal elements and metabolites in maize plant tissues, by using mixtures of various proportions of NaCl, NaHCO3, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3.ResultsWe found that alkaline salt stress suppressed more pronouncedly the photosynthesis and growth of maize plants than salinity stress. Under alkaline salt stress conditions, metal ions formed massive precipitates, which ultimately reduced plant nutrient availability. On the other hand, high neutral salt stress induced metabolic changes in the direction of gluconeogenesis leading to the enhanced formation of sugars as a reaction contributing to the mitigation of osmotic stress. Thus, the active synthesis of sugars in shoots was essential to the development of salt tolerance. However, the alkaline salt stress conditions characterized by elevated pH values suppressed substantially the levels of photosynthesis, N metabolism, glycolysis, and the production of sugars and amino acids.ConclusionsThese results indicate the presence of different defensive mechanisms responsible for the plant responses to neutral salt and alkaline salt stresses. In addition, the increased concentration of organic acids and enhanced metabolic energy might be potential major factors that can contribute to the maintenance intracellular ion balance in maize plants and counteract the negative effects of high pH under alkaline salt stress.

High-Throughput Phenotyping and QTL Mapping Reveals the Genetic Architecture of Maize Plant Growth.

With increasing demand for novel traits in crop breeding, the plant research community faces the challenge of quantitatively analyzing the structure and function of large numbers of plants. A clear goal of high-throughput phenotyping is to bridge the gap between genomics and phenomics. In this study, we quantified 106 traits from a maize (Zea mays) recombinant inbred line population (n = 167) across 16 developmental stages using the automatic phenotyping platform. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with a high-density genetic linkage map, including 2,496 recombinant bins, was used to uncover the genetic basis of these complex agronomic traits, and 988 QTLs have been identified for all investigated traits, including three QTL hotspots. Biomass accumulation and final yield were predicted using a combination of dissected traits in the early growth stage. These results reveal the dynamic genetic architecture of maize plant growth and enhance ideotype-based maize breeding and prediction.

Interactions between microbial plant growth promoters and their effects on maize growth performance in different mineral and organic fertilization scenarios

We examined interactions between microbial plant growth promoters and their single and combined effects on maize plant growth with and without mineral NPK fertilization and with and without organic fertilization in terms of maize stover. Two similar greenhouse pot experiments were performed one with disinfected soil and another with non-disinfected soil as growth substrate. Three commercial microbial biofertilizers were examined including the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, the saprotrophic fungus Trichoderma harzianum and the rhizobacterium Azospirillum brasilense. In general microbial inoculations had limited effects on maize growth compared to mineral and organic fertilization. Among the microbial plant growth promoters examined only T. harzianum caused plant growth promotion, and only in combination with mineral fertilization and with disinfected soil as growth substrate. Despite of the limited effects of microbial inoculations on plant growth strong microbial interactions were observed. Population density of diazotrophic bacteria in soil was markedly higher with mineral fertilizers. Combination of A. brasilense with one or both of the two other microbial biofertilizers reduced the population density of diazoptrophic bacteria in disinfected soil. Both mineral and organic fertilization reduced AM fungus root colonization in non-disinfected soil, which on the other hand was counteracted from inoculation with microbial biofertilizers. In conclusion, despite limited effects on plant growth performance inoculation with commercial microbial biofertilizers can have strong effects on native populations of AM fungi and diazotrophic bacteria, which should be considered when integrating microbial biofertilizers in agroecosystems.

Interactive Effects of Boron and Humic Acid on the Growth and Nutrient Status of Maize Plant (Zea mays L.)

Interactive Effects of Boron and Humic Acid on the Growth and Nutrient Status of Maize Plant (Zea mays L.)

Fate of straw- and root-derived carbon in a Swedish agricultural soil

To maximise carbon (C) storage in soils, understanding the fate of C originating from aboveground and belowground residues and their interaction with fertiliser under field conditions is critically important. The use of 13C natural abundance provides unique opportunities to separate both C sources. We investigated the effect of 16 years of C3 straw and C4 root input, with and without nitrogen (N) addition, on SOC stocks and C distribution in soil fractions in the long-term frame trial at Ultuna, Sweden. The straw C input was fixed at 1.77 Mg ha−1 year−1, while the root input depended on maize plant growth, enabling studies on how N fertilisation affected (i) stabilisation of residues and (ii) plant C allocation to belowground organs. Four treatments were investigated: only maize roots (Control), maize roots with N (Control + N), maize roots and straw (Straw) and maize roots, straw and N (Straw + N). After 16 years, 5.6–8.9% of the total SOC stock in the 0–20 cm soil layer was maize-derived. In all four treatments, the relatively labile SOC fractions decreased, while the proportion of more refractory fractions increased. Based on allometric calculation of root inputs, retention of maize roots was 38, 26, 36 and 18% in the Control, Control + N, Straw and Straw + N treatments, respectively. The estimated retention coefficient of C3 straw in the Straw + N treatment was higher than that in the Straw-N treatment. We interpreted these results thus (1) roots were better stabilised in the soil than straw; (2) N fertilisation caused a shift in root to shoot ratio, with relatively more roots being present in N-deficient soil; and (3) N fertilisation caused greater stabilisation of residues, presumably due to increased microbial C use efficiency.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and colonization stimulant in cotton and maize

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi native to Cerrado, associated with the application of colonization stimulant (7-hydroxy, 4’-methoxy-isoflavone) at the initial growth of cotton and maize plants in a greenhouse. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design and 7x2 factorial scheme, with five species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and combined inoculation (uniting all species in equal proportion) and native fungi, in the presence and absence of colonization stimulant in maize and cotton crops. Shoots dry matter (SDM), roots dry matter (RDM), mycorrhizal colonization and accumulation of calcium, zinc and phosphorus in the SDM were evaluated at flowering. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the use of colonization stimulant at low density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules was beneficial to plant development. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi demonstrated different effects for the various parameters evaluated in cotton and maize, and the application of colonization stimulant promoted higher mycorrhizal colonization and initial growth in cotton, when associated with native AMF, and in corn, when associated with inoculation with Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora margarita and Rhizophagus clarus.

Co-inoculation of and enhances plant growth of maize () under green house and field condition

Co-inoculation of and enhances plant growth of maize () under green house and field condition