Role of Mycorrhiza as Biofertilization of Banana Grand Naine on Nursery Stage

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth and nutrient uptake of banana plants (Musa acuminate) cv. ‘Grande Naine’ during nursery stage in a greenhouse was tested. After acclimatization stage, plants were inoculated with various doses of Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF). AMF inoculum consisted of a mixture of Glomus etunicatum, Glomus intraradices and Glomus monosporum spores at concentration of 250spore/ml. After 20 weeks, vegetative growth parameters, root parameters, mineral content and protein were determined. Vegetative growth of infected plants was superior compared with control (non-inoculation). On the other side, mycorrhiza inoculation resulted in positive effect on banana root parameters; number, tall and weight of roots, all inoculation treatments gave higher root parameters than the control (without addition of mycorrhiza). Also, mineral up take, and total protein of banana plants were enhanced as a result of inoculation; especially N, P and K as well as protein. These results may be due to the symbiotic effect of AMF, where it saves a good soil environment around the root zone of plant and the later supply mycorrhiza with its hormones requirements. Also, mycorrhiza help plants to improve nutrients uptake by direct or indirect ways.