Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on physiology and fruit quality of Pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) in vermicompost amended medium

Abstract

The association level of pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) with two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species (Glomus etunicatum and G. versiforme) was evaluated for the first time. The first part of experiment showed 30 and 50% root colonization for the two AMF species, respectively, while the second part of study was a pot experiment under greenhouse conditions. The effects of vermicompost and root inoculation with G. etunicatum and G. versiforme on reproductive stage, yield and fruit quality of pepino were investigated. Treatments included two levels of vermicompost (0 and 20% v/v) and inoculation with the two fungi species along with a non inoculated control. Application of vermicompost increased the number of flowers, fruits and fruit weight, but decreased the number of days from plant setting to first flower and fruit set, fruit dry matter percent, fruit titratable acidity and vitamin C content. Inoculation with G. versiforme increased fruit dry matter percent, fruit titratable acidity and fruit vitamin C content compared with the non inoculated control (NIC) plants. Plants inoculated with G. etunicatum showed greater fruit weight and juice pH compared to NIC plants. AMF inoculation in vermicompost amended pots led to 14 and 10 days earlier flowering for G. versiforme and G. etunicatum, respectively compared to those not amended with vermicompost. G. etunicatum in vermicompost supplemented medium hastened fruit set by 5.5 days compared to those without vermicompost application. Fruit quality characteristics were affected differently for the two AMF-inoculated plants in presence of vermicompost.