Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and biomass enhancement in Piper longum L. (Piperaceae).

Piper longum is a species of long pepper known for treating various kinds of ailments in ayurveda. The effect of inoculation of AM fungi on growth performance of Piper longum was evaluated for their symbiotic response in greenhouse condition. Three AM fungi, Glomus fasiculatum, Acaulospora fovata and Gigaspora margirata were used as inoculums that were selected from trap culture. The results show, number of leaves in A. fovata inoculated pots increased when compared to other inoculated pots and control. Considering the root, shoot length and whole weight of fresh plant, control pots showed better performance when compared to inoculated pots. Dry weight of total biomass, mycorrhizal dependency and mycorrhizal inoculation effect of Gi. margirata show increased effect when compared to G. fasiculatum, A. fovata and control. The results of present study indicated that Gi. margirata can be considered as good growth promoter for better biomass yield in Piper longum L. K e y w o r d s Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Piper longum, Gigaspora margirata, Glomus fascilatum, Acaulospora fovata, Biomass enchancement.