Field application of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved garlic yield in disinfected soil

Abstract

 The production of certified garlic propagation material requires measures to be taken against pathogenic nematodes. Methyl bromide (MB) may be used for this purpose, but is known to cause stunting in Allium spp. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungal inoculum was applied to the planting furrow after MB treatment. VAM-inoculated plants were larger, had more green leaves, an increased photosynthesis rate, especially at low light intensities, and higher fresh and dry weights than plants in uninoculated plots. The mean bulb weights from uninoculated and VAM-treated plots were 27 g and 51 g respectively. The native or an improved VAM population should be reintroduced after soil disinfection to ensure satisfactory garlic yields.