Growth media and mycorrhizal species effect on acclimatization and nutrient uptake of banana plantlets

•Mycorrhization of micropropagated banana 'Dwarf Cavendish' before acclimatization.•Acclimatization and subsequent growth of mycorrhizal plants using two substrates.•G. macrocarpum more effective in acclimatization than G. caledonium.•Mycorrhizal inoculation is substrate specific for banana plantlets growth.

The objective of this study was to investigate the acclimatization and performance of banana (Dwarf Cavendish) in two substrates inoculated with different AM fungi (Glomus. caledonium and G. macrocarpun) and assess the plantlets dependency on inoculation for phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) uptake along with biomass development. In addition, to investigate the role of mycorrhizal fungi in supporting acclimatization phase, a plant growth promotion study was set-up in greenhouse using micropropagated plantlets. Two growth media, as GM-I and GM-II were used accompanied by G. caledonium and G. macrocarpum. In first phase, 9 weeks acclimatization study was conducted and in second phase, acclimatized plants were propagated for 16 weeks in both inoculated and non-inoculated conditions. Plantlets acclimatization and nutrient uptake were recorded along with other parameters. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased banana plantlets growth, root infection and P uptake. Plantlets inoculated with G. caledonium exhibited increase in shoot and root dry mass, P and Zn concentration, and root infection in the GM-I. The shoot and root dry mass, P and Zn concentration, and root infection were higher in GM-I than Konaktas soil series. Banana plantlets are mycorrhizal dependent (MD) and soil-grown banana plantlets are more MD than plants grown in the GM-I. Mycorrhizal inoculation seems to be a significant factor in decreasing mortality and increasing production of high-quality banana plantlets under micropropagation conditions.