Response of MYKOVAM sup R treated lakatan banana plantlets to water deficit
2018
Elleva, L.I.F | Garcia, G.R. | Divina, F.A., II | Fabro, D.M.A. | Aguilar, E.A. | Aggangan, N.S.
Lakatan banana (AA) is an economically important fruit crop in the Philippines and is one of the few fruits available year-round. Lakatan cv, compared with other local varieties has smaller root system and is known to be highly susceptible to water stress and most banana diseases. Previous studies have shown that MYKOVAM sup R (containing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) inoculation of tissue-cultured banana at potting out and at 3-4 leaf stage enhanced root-VAM association. This pot experiment determined the shoot and root responses of banana with and without MYKOVAM sup R inoculation under water deficit condition. The treatments were: Well-watered with MYKOVAM sup R (T1), Well-watered (T2), Water deficit with MYKOVAM sup R (T3), and Water deficit (T4). Starting at field capacity, water was withheld until tensiometer reading reached 80 KPa. Water deficit was imposed for 14 d followed by a recovery period. Water deficit, regardless of MYKOVAM sup R treatment, significantly reduced the shoot (number of green leaves and pseudostem girth) and root growth (root volume, root length and number of root tips) and the relative water content of the youngest green leaf. In water deficit treatment, MYKOVAM sup R inoculated plantlets, upon watering after the imposition of water deficit, exhibited faster recovery and showed a significantly better growth (shoot and root) and higher relative water content compared to uninoculated plantlets. This study validated that MYKOVAM sup R inoculation improved the tolerance of the Lakatan banana plantlets to water deficit. Field studies are recommended to confirm the findings.
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