Response of Four Zucchini (Cucurbita Pepo L.) Hybrids To Different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Abstract

Four zucchini hybrids (Focus F-1, Comet F-1, Natali F-1, and Ezra F-1) inoculated by three different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) [Glomus intraradices (Gi), Glomus etinucatum (Ge), and Gigaspora margarita (Gm)] in a growth chamber experiment were evaluated for seedling traits, nutrient uptake, colonization, and relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD). Relative mycorrhizal dependency ranged widely among four zucchini hybrids. Gm inoculations had higher positive RMDs, while Gi inoculations had lower negative RMDs. Gm-inoculated Focus F-1 had the highest RMD (30.22%). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculated seedlings had wider cotyledons and stems. There were also significant effects of AMF inoculation on the most of nutrients.