The Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on the Growth and Quality of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Seedlings

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most valuable horticultural crops, not only for its economic importance but also high nutritional value and sensory qualities. The arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis can improve plant nutrient uptake decrease seedling transplanting shock. Although R. extensively studied AMF species, there a paucity data on effects this species processing tomato seedlings produced in an aerated hydroponic float system. A greenhouse experiment with four treatments three replications was established completely randomized design. contained addition 0, 40, 80, 120 fungal spores per L solution (control, AMF1, AMF2, AMF3, respectively). Root colonization analysis proved that maximum dose applied (AMF3) supported to large extent, succeeding 36.74%. In addition, highest values total dry weight (1.386 g), survival rate (94.79%), N content (3.376 mg 100 g DW) P (0.497 were observed under AMF3 treatment. conclusion, application doses AM solutions system leads substantial improvement quality growth seedlings.