Synchronisation of zinc application rates with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus to maximise wheat growth and yield in zinc-deficient soil

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are found to be causing the most abundant symbioses between fungi and roots of terrestrial plants. AMF act as a biofertiliser that stimulate plant growth and increase plant productivity under poor soil fertility. In addition, unbalanced application of zinc (Zn) and the antagonistic relationship with phosphorus (P) also play an imperative role in decreasing crop productivity. It is necessary to synchronise Zn application rate with applied inorganic P and AMF to achieve optimum crop yield. For tha purpose, a pot trial was conducted on Zn-deficient soil with five application rates of Zn, i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg kg(-1). Two levels of inorganic P [0 (P0) and 21 (PI) mg kg(-1)] were applied with and without AMF inoculation. Results showed that more AMF colonisation was observed under deficient Zn and P conditions. Higher soil Zn (Zn 120 and Zn 150) significantly decreased the germination rate and plant growth. However, a significant improvement in germination, plant height, biomass, transpiration rate and 100-grain weight validated the productive functioning of AMF over no AMF. AMF inoculation alleviated P-induced Zn deficiency and Zn-induced P deficiency. Application of POZn60 and POZn30 with and without AMF is a better treatment to maximise wheat growth, yield and gas-exchange attributes in Zn-deficient conditions. It is also recommended to apply low Zn, (30 or 60 mg kg(-1) Zn) when AMF is used, with 21 mg kg(-1) P, or half of the recommended dose of P.