Phosphorus and mycorrhizal interaction on uptake of P and trace elements by maize

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) when applied to soils can result in marked increases in plant growth and P uptake. Application of molybdenum can also result in a synergistic interaction with phosphorus, with reslutant increases in plant dry matter production. The current investigation was designed to evaluate P X Mo X VAM interactions on yield and P uptake of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse using soils from Missouri and Jamaica (West Indies) which were very low in available soil P. Corn was grown in pots amended with P and VAM, with and without Mo. Colonizing Jamaican soil amended with P withGlomus etunicatum increased shoot dry matter weights significantly. Greatest P uptake occured in treatments receiving the highest application of P and mycorrhizal inoculation. There was a significant difference between the two soils with respect to treatment effects on micronutrient accumulation of the test crop. The decreases in Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mo concentration of corn leaves between control and the treated pots, is attributed to dry matter dilution effect. The results indicated that mycorrhizal inoculation increased the dry matter significantly in Jamaican soil amended with P, however not in Missouri soil.Contribution No. A6-202-88, Cooperative Research, Lincoln University, Jeffeson City, MO 65101 USA