ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important plant growth nutrient which is immobile in soil. In soil, it occurs in three forms namely, soluble and insoluble inorganic phosphorous and organic phosphorus. Uptake of phosphorus from soil solution is increased by endomycorrhizal fungi in addition to increase plant root surface area. They are commonly found in association with approximately 85% of angiosperm plants. The enhancement in growth of plants is mainly attributed to uptake of less mobile nutrients such as P, Zn, Cu, etc., from the soil. The other advantageous properties are their role in the plant growth hormone production, greater capability to endure water stress and synergistic association with agriculturally beneficial soil microorganisms. It is believed that mycorrhizal fungi secret some phosphatases enzyme which also increased the availability of P. The field studies have shown that inoculation with efficient mycorrhizal fungi not only improves growth and yield of crop plants while it reduces the application of phosphatic fertilizer. Advantages of endomycorrhizae are attaining through the application of suitable and efficient AM fungi inoculums and augment resident mycorrhizal fungal actions in the soil through manipulating agricultural practices in support of these inoculums.