Effect of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi on P Uptake and Growth of Tobacco in Rock Phosphate Applied Soil

The effect of phosphate solubilizing microbes (PSM) on plant P uptake and growth in rock phosphate applied soil was tested under a greenhouse condition. Tobacco plants were grown in nonsterilized soil inoculated with Penicillium oxalicum CBPS-3F-Tsa with or without rock phosphate application as P fertilizer. Phosphorus concentration in tobacco plants was increased by the application of rock phosphate, while inoculation of soil with fungi further significantly increased P concentration in tobacco plants compared with the noninoculated treatments. Phosphorus uptake by tobacco plants was also increased by the application of rock phosphate and PSM inoculation, and the significant comparison has been made with single rock phosphate treatment. Growth of tobacco plant was also significantly increased in the treatments receiving rock phosphate, while the combined application of rock phosphate and PSM further increased plant growth. It was concluded that the positive effect of PSM inoculation on plant growth was closely related in plant P content and uptake. These results suggest that Penicillium oxalicum CBPS-3F-Tsa could solubilize insoluble soil phosphates and rock phosphate which can promote growth and P uptake of tobacco plants.