Mycorrhiza co-association with Aspilia pruliseta Schweif. and phosphorus uptake effects on growth of gadam sorghum in the semi-arid lower Eastern Kenya
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Date
2020-08Author
Muchoka, James
Mugendi, Daniel N.
Njiruh, Nthakanio P.
Onyari, Charles N.
Njeru, E. M.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Mycorrhiza fungi are important components of soil microbiota in the rhizosphere and greatly influence
the uptake of mineral elements by plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the University of
Embu to evaluate effect of Aspilia pruliseta rhizosphere mycorrhiza on phosphorus uptake by gadam
sorghum. Pots were filled with soil from a predetermined source in the semi-arid Gakurungu, Tunyai
and Kanyuambora regions of Kenya. A completely randomized block design was used with each
treatment replicated four times giving n=144. Regular watering was maintained for thirty-five days. Data
were analyzed using three-way ANOVA. Seed emergence, hypocotyl development and stand count were
enhanced at P≤0.05 in both mycorrhiza fungi inoculated gadam sorghum seeds and in pots whose soils
were taken from the rhizosphere of A. pruliseta plants. The growth attributes had a positive correlation
with yield at 95% confidence. Soil phosphate level was enhanced where seed inoculation with
mycorrhiza was done and in soils previously grown A. pruliseta vegetation. A. pruliseta bush fallows
can be used for phosphate bio-remediation and cover crop in arid and semi-arid environments