Effect of phosphate solubilizing fungi on growth and nutrient uptake of ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) plants.

Abstract

Phosphate-solubilizing Fungi (PSF) function in soil phosphorus cycle, increasing the bioavailability of soil phosphorus for plants. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum were tested for their efficacy to solubilize tri-calcium-phosphate (TCP) in vitro as well as their effect in vivo to promote the growth of ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) plants grown in soil amended with TCP. The results showed high solubilizing index in agar plates. Also, they effectively solubilized TCP in Pikovskaya's liquid medium (PVK) and released considerable amounts of P into medium. Pot experiment showed that the dual inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (A. niger and P. notatum) significantly increased dry matter and yield of groundnut plants as compared to the control soil. Significant increment in percentage of protein and oil was also recorded. There was an increase in the percentage of N and P content of the plant. It was significantly resulted with N levels of groundnut plants but this increase was non-significant with the percentage of total phosphorus, under the experimental conditions. Soil analysis showed that the available P, organic carbon levels were significantly increased when compared to the initial soil. The pH was also lowered compared to the initial pH of the soil.