Study the effects of mychorryisa fungus on vegetative growth and nutrient uptake in three apple cultivars ('Red delicious', Golden deliciou's and Starking')

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal Fungi on growth characteristics and nutrient uptake in three apple varieties. Experiments were performed according to complete block design in a split plot randomized with eight replications. The treatments were consisted of four levels of mycorrhiza (0, 70, 100 and 120 grams per pot) and three varieties of apples (‘Red Delicious’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Starking’). Some characteristics consisted of leaf area, leaf number, plant height and diameter, fresh and dry weight of leaves, chlorophyll a and b, phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc and copper were measured. The results showed that the use of mycorrhizal fungi in the apple growth media, significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf number and chlorophyll a and b compared to the control. Inoculation of AM fungi were non-significant on leaf N status and decreased leaf P content of apple plantlets but leaf N and P uptake were increased compared to uninoculated control. By the application of AM fungi, Fe and Zn content of leaves decreased. The highest Fe and Zn leaf uptake was obtained in ‘Red delicious’ treated by 70 g AMF fertilizer per pot. According to the results, 70 gr mycorrhizal per pot had more effect to vegetative growth and nutrient uptake of apple plantlets. So, this amount of fertilizer, is advised for apple plantlets.