Work

Combined application of mycorrhizae and phosphorus fertilizer on – morpho-physiological characteristics in Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) and Maize (Zea Maize L.) under intercropping system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The utilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus fertilizer can improve growth and physiological characteristics in plants. This study evaluated the effects of AMF and phosphorus levels on morpho-physiological characteristics of Quinoa and Maize under intercropping systems. The experiments were conducted at two locations, with three levels of phosphorus fertilizer [0 (P1), 50 kg ha −1 (P2), and 100 kg ha −1 (P3)], and AMF at two levels [inoculation M (+) and non-inoculation M (-)]. The results showed that the highest amounts of chlorophyll a (2.205/4.74 mg g −1 FW), chlorophyll b (0.75/2.88 mg g −1 FW), total chlorophyll (3.5/8.28 mg g −1 ), were achieved in a 50:50 intercropping ratio of Maize and Quinoa, under M (+) and P2 application. The results showed that the highest seed yield of Quinoa (2542 kg ha −1 ) was obtained under mycorrhizal and 50 kg ha −1 phosphorus application in the Shahrood location. Additionally, the highest total dry weight (TDW) in Maize (418.85 g m −2 ) was achieved with M (+), while the highest TDW of Quinoa (295.65 g m −2 ) was obtained in solo culture. The highest leaf area index (LAI) of Maize was obtained for sole culture, use of phosphorus 50 kg ha—1, and M (+). The highest Quinoa LAI was obtained in different cropping ratios, with the highest value of 8.52 in 50% Quinoa. The net assimilation rate in Quinoa reached the maximum (7.2 g m −2 day −1 ) at 45 days after sowing, while in Maize, the maximum of NAR (10.2 g m −2 day −1 ) was reached at 75 days after sowing. The mean comparison of traits revealed that the highest Quinoa colonization (46.29%) was achieved with a 25% Quinoa and 75% Maize cropping ratio, and a phosphorus concentration of 50 kg ha −1 , using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These findings suggest that AMF application in an intercropping ratio of 50:50 may be proposed to farmers as an eco-friendly approach to achieve desirable physiological characteristics.

Source: BMC Plant Biology

DOI: 10.1186/s12870-026-08913-z

Authors: Tayebe Rostami, Hamid Abbasdokht, Hassan Makarian, Manoochehr Gholipoor, Khalil Karimzadehasl

Institutions: University of Shahrood, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands

Language: English

Topic: Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090