Comparative analyses of Turkey agricultural soils: Potential communities of indigenous and exotic mycorrhiza species' effect on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrient uptakes

In the second pot experiment, the effect of selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species and re-inoculated indigenous mycorrhiza spores on maize growth was evaluated under sterile soil conditions. Maize plants inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae, Funneliformis caledonium and Claroideoglomus etunicatum strains produced more dry weight and had a higher root colonization (%) than indigenous Sultanönü, Harran and Menzilat spore inoculation. Plant P and Zn concentrations increased with indigenous and selected AM fungal inoculation. It was concluded that although indigenous mycorrhizae contribute to plant growth, the contribution of selected mycorrhizae is much greater.