Effect of mycorrhiza and phosphorus content in nutrient solution on the yield and nutritional status of tomato plants grown on rockwool or coconut coir

Authors

• Iwona Kowalska University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
• Anna Konieczny University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
• Maciej Gąstoł University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
• Włodzimierz Sady University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
• Ewa Hanus-Fajerska University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.47204

Keywords:

Solanum lycopersicum L., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, soilless culture, plant nutrition, ion uptake

Abstract

Effects of P level in nutrient solution and the colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on P uptake by tomato plants, their nutritional status, yield and quality of fruits were studied. Plants were grown on rockwool or coconut coir. Inoculation by a mixture of several AMF species was performed three times during the growing period. The mycorrhizal frequency in roots inoculated with AMF amounted to 35.79 – 50.82%. The highest level of mycorrhiza was found in plants receiving nutrient solution with a lower concentration of P. Among the experimental factors, only P level influenced the fruit yield, being higher from plants receiving a nutrient solution with a higher P level. A higher concentration of P in nutrient solution imposed better nutritional status of plants. Higher contents of ascorbic acid and total soluble sugars were found in fruits collected from inoculated plants, grown on rockwool.