Management of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and nutrient supply in banana plantations �??FHIA-18�?? (Musa AAAB) cultivar on Phaeozems haplic calcaric soils

Abstract

From the benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis for most plants and regularities in the efficient strain management of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), positive results are increased because of their application in different crops. By considering these aspects, this work was performed in order to assess the feasibility of integrated management proposals of mycorrhizal inoculants and supplemental doses of organ-mineral fertilization for banana plantations cv. 'FHIA -18' on Phaeozems haplic calcaric soils. Two schemes to supply nutrients to plants were studied, one based on mineral fertilizers and other from organ-mineral sources, both in the presence or absence of an efficient AMF strain inoculation and during mother plant cycles and shoot -1 and 2. A randomized block design with four replications was used. A high response to fertilization was found. The recommended doses of both mineral and organ-mineral fertilization were fully equivalent to yield and nutritional status in banana. The supplemented AMF application with 75 % of both fertilizations studied, ensured equivalent yields and similar nutritional states and with treatments receiving only 100 % of the dose, but high percentages of mycorrhizal colonization and spore production. The AMF inoculation at transplanting time, maintained its effectiveness and permanence in the three production cycles evaluated. Foliar potassium content was directly associated with the performance and response of banana to AMF inoculation