Investigating the Association of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) with Commelina benghalensis Weed Species
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Date
2019
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate an association between Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) and Commelina benghalensis weed. In field experiment 1 carried out at Wewessa estate consisted of 2 treatments, i.e. tea alone and a tea plot infested with C. benghalensis. In field experiment 2 carried out at the Uva Wellassa University, tomato was planted as an indicator plant in association of C. benghalensis. Single nodal stem cuttings of C. benghalensis was planted at 4, 8 and 12 cuttings per plot as treatments. Experiment was undertaken in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Plant height of tomato and creeper length of C. benghalensis were measured weekly. Soil N, P and pH were analysed before and 3 months after commencement and tea yield was measured weekly at Wewessa estate. In both experiments VAM spore counts and root colonization percentages were calculated at 6 weeks’ intervals. Dry weights of both C. benghalensis and tomato were measured. A significantly higher VAM colony count (19.5) and spore count (21) were reported in the treatment of Tomato planted with 12 C. benghalensis cuttings per plot 3 Months After Planting (MAP) when compared to that of Tomato planted with 4 cuttings per plot and the initial root colony count. Phosperous level in the rhizosphere was also significantly (p<0.05) increased when tomato planted with 12 C. benghalensis cuttings per plot, 3 MAP when compared to that of tomato planted with 4 cuttings per plot. In the field trial, there was no any significant (p>0.05) difference in tea yield between tea alone and tea planted in association of C. benghalensis. The study concluded that there is an association between VAM and P solubilization in C. benghalensis. This association has favourably affected on tea and tomato growth.
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Keywords
Crop Production, Crop Production Technology, Agriculture