Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) inoculants on growth of tomato

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic association with roots of most terrestrial plants including many agricultural crops. These are known to occur globally in a broad range of dissimilar environments from arctic to tropic and occupy a wide range of ecological niches. The role of VAM fungi in the improvement of crop plants is well documented. VAM fungi are known to improve the nutrient status of the plants, increase growth and development, protect plants against pathogens and confer resistance to drought and salinity. Sustainable agriculture has become a serious issue due to the energy crisis and environmental issues. Therefore, agricultural production is aimed to produce maximum output with minimum input. During agricultural production it is necessary to use organic fertilizers rather than chemical fertilizers. In the present study, authors assessed the efficacy of inoculants of three species of VAM fungi singly and in combination, on growth of tomato.