RESPONSES OF SOME TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL CULTURES TO ENDOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI

This paper reports the effects under greenhouse and field conditions of four arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and nutrition of some tropical and subtropical crops of economic importance in the Canary Islands (Spain) whose mycorrhizal dependency was unknown. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), pineapple (Ananas comosus (Merr.) L.) and banana (Musa acuminata Colla) were highly responsive to the mycorrhizal condition when the AM inoculum was Glomus sp, endophytes. Under our experimental conditions, Glomus fasciculatum was the most effective fungus at improving plantlet growth and nutrition. Acaulospora sp. was ineffective and Scutellospora was only effective with banana. The data clearly show the advantage of mycorrhization dur ing the first phase of development of the plant system.