Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improves Growth and Photosynthesis of Ilex paraguariensis (St. Hil) Seedlings

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) is an important woody tree in South America, however the production of quality seedlings a major problem. Microorganisms that promote plant growth have shown to be efficient biotechnologies seedlings. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), it establishes symbiosis with several species and increases accumulation biomass absorption poorly mobile nutrients such as phosphorus. Here, we test effects two AMF on growth, root architecture, phosphorus gas exchange yerba cultivated under different levels. We used non-sterile soil, inoculated AMFs Rhizophagus clarus SCT720A Acaulospora colombiana SCT115A, non-inoculated (control) treatment five levels (0; 25; 50; 100 200% recommendation). After 90 days inoculation, dry biomass, architecture colonization were determined after 180 days, same parameters plus photosynthetic rate, transpiration stomatal conductance P content evaluated. inoculation increased shoot total length, volume. Plants showed higher photosynthesis rate. Phosphorus almost three times when AMF. Our findings highlight importance for Ilex production, reducing time needed nurseries enhance performance.