Potential effects of endomycorrhiza upon the growth of seedlings and yield components of some vegetable crops were studied during the three-year trial period (1993 - 1995), which might be a great importance for advancement of vegetable, particulary organic-biological production. Two strains of mycorrhizal fungus Glomus etunicatum were applied at rates of 10 vol. % and 20 vol. % of inoculum to four quite different vegetable crops: lettuce (Lactuca sativa), tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) and onion (Allium cepa) in the conditions involving no fertilization, watering or protection against diseases and pests. The following percents of mycorrhizal infection were determined in seedlings: lettuce (38-56 %), celeriac (50-63 %), tomato (37-56%), and onion (56-80 %), which was reflected in increased seedling height and weight. After the harvest, the percent of mycorrhizal infection on the roots of the test crops grown in field conditions was estimated as follows: lettuce (21-37 %), celeriac (17-33 %), tomato (18-32 %), onion (29-38 %), which in most cases had a positive effect on their yield components. However, it was only in onion that a significant yielding increase was achieved at ripening in all three years wuth strain G139, inoculated with 10 vol. % or 20 vol. % of inoculum, as well as strain G107 inoculatetd with 20 vol. % of inoculum.

VA mycorrhiza; lettuce; celeriac; tomato; onion

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia