Effects of Glomus iranicum inoculation on growth and nutrient uptake in potatoes associated with broad beans under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

The rising global demand for food, including potatoes, necessitates increased crop production. To achieve higher yields, farmers frequently depend on regular applications of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. As people seek more environmentally friendly alternatives, biofertilizers are gaining popularity as a potential replacement for synthetic fertilizers. This study aimed to determine how Glomus iranicum affects the growth of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and the nutritional value of potato tubers when grown alongside broad beans (Vicia faba L.). An experiment was conducted using potatoes tested at five dosage levels of G. iranicum, ranging from 0 to 4 g, to see its impact on the plants and soil. Inoculation with G. iranicum produced variable results in associated potato and bean crops, with significant effects on some variables. In particular, inoculation with 3 g of G. iranicum produced an increase in plant height (24%), leaf dry weight (90%), and tuber dry weight (57%) of potatoes. Similarly, 4 g of G. iranicum produced an increase in the foliar fresh weight (115%), root length (124%), root fresh weight (159%), and root dry weight (243%) of broad beans compared to no inoculation. These findings suggest that G. iranicum could be a helpful biological tool in Andean crops to improve the productivity of potatoes associated with broad beans. This could potentially reduce the need for chemical fertilizers in these crops.