Wijesingha, W.A.H.M.Prematilake, K.G.Silva, P.D.P.M.D.2021-01-182021-01-1820209789550481293http://www.erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/5596/proceeding_oct_08-61.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yA study was conducted to investigate the association of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) with Commelina benghalensis (Girapala), which is an aggressive weed infesting in tea cultivations. A field experiment was carried out at Wewessa estate, Badulla from September to December 2019. Four treatments i.e. Tea infested with C. benghalensis slashed at 3 weeks interval, Tea infested with C. benghalensis slashed at 6 weeks interval and Tea with no weeding for 3 months and tea alone (weed-free), were included. VAM spore count and root colonization percentages were calculated at 6-week intervals. Soil Phosphorus was analyzed and tea yield was measured. VAM spore count and root colonization percentage were significantly (p<0.05) higher in two treatments with C. benghalensis compared to those of no weeding treatment. Spore counts were recorded as 190, 200 spores/100g of soil in the treatments of which C. benghalensis was slashed at 3 and 6 weeks interval, against 120 in no weeding treatment. Root colonization was also reported as 56.7%, 60%, 39.4% in tea infested with C. benghalensis slashed at 3 and 6 weeks interval, and no weeding treatments, respectively. Significantly higher levels of soil Phosphorus (241 ppm and 237 ppm) were also reported from two treatments of C. benghalensis slashed at 6 and 3 weeks intervals compared to no weeding (230 ppm) treatment at the end of 3 months. There was no significant difference in tea yield between treatments. The study concluded that there is an association of VAM with C. benghalensis and P solubilization is taken place with VAM colonization in the rhizosphere of C. benghalensis. VAM association with C. benghalensis weed has thus been favorably affected on tea growth. Keywords: Aeroponics, Growth, Yield, Potato mini-tubers, Quality, Root pruningenAgricultureTea IndustrialTea TechnologyOther