Responses of Ocimum sanctum to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fertilization with Different Phosphate Sources

摘要

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can change some morphological and physiological characteristics of host plants. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the responses of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) to the inoculation with AMF species (Glomus mosseae and Glomus versiforme) and the use of two different phosphate sources (superphosphate and rock phosphate) as phosphorus fertilizers in a calcareous soil. After a growth period of three months, morphological parameters, root colonization, phosphorus concentration and uptake, chlorophyll content, and the yield of essential oil were measured. AMF significantly (P <=0.05) increased shoot biomass, flower stem length, chlorophyll content, phosphorus concentration and uptake, and root colonization. Phosphorus fertilizers increased all factors except for root colonization compared with the control. Superphosphate was more effective than rock phosphate and control treatments. A synergistic relationship between AMF and phosphorus fertilizers for improving phosphorus uptake and morphological characteristics was observed. Maximum shoot biomass, phosphorus concentration and uptake, as well as essential oil yield were observed when G. versiforme was combined with superphosphate. Rock phosphate combined with inoculation with G. versiforme showed a more positively significant (P <= 0.05) effect on all measured traits compared to a single application of rock phosphate. In conclusion, the introduction of AM biofertilizer together with the balanced application of P-fertilizers will be helpful in O. sanctum production.