Poor
soil fertility and nematodes limit yam tuber yield and quality. Arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and fertilizers may suppress nematodes and improve yam
productivity. We evaluated the extent AMF and fertilizer suppressed nematodes
and improved yam performance. Tuber weight, mycorrhizal colonization of roots
and nematode populations were evaluated with eight treatments; Control (No amendments),
90-50-75, kg N- P2O5-K2O ha-1
(NPK), (AMF) (2g/kg soil), nematodes (5000 juvenile/pot), and their
combinations. Tuber weight was higher in NPK+AMF and NPK+nematode treatments
than AMF+nematode. NPK+AMF improved tuber weight by 17.5% and 32% compared with
sole NPK or AMF respectively. Compared with control, nematodes did not reduce
tuber weight but, AMF+nematode reduced it by 49.4%. NPK reduced AMF
colonization of roots and reduced nematode population on tuber, in roots and soil by 34%, 42.6%
and 41% respectively. NPK+AMF
treatment was superior to either NPK or AMF in improving tuber yield while NPK
was superior to AMF in suppressing nematodes in roots, soil, and tuber.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi nematodes Nigeria mineral fertilizer root colonization yam tuber weight
Journal Section | Articles |
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Authors | |
Publication Date | April 1, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 Volume: 7 Issue: 2 |