Evaluation of the interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma harzianum in the development and nutrition of potato plants (Solanum phureja)

Potato is the fourth most consumed food product around the world and one of the most produced crops worldwide, due to its nutritional and culinary properties. This crop is affected by certain pests such as phytopathogenic fungi, which frequently attack roots and tubers, extracting their nutrients and decreasing their yield. Consequently, our research is focused in finding an environmentally friendly alternative to improve the nutrition of the crop and prevent the attack of pathogens that exist mostly in soils with poor conditions. One of the ways to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, is the application of beneficial microorganisms, among them Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma harzianum. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi create symbiosis with the plant and improve mineral absorption with a significant efficiency. Trichoderma harzianum is an effective biological control agent, it induces the defensive response of plants and stimulates plant growing. This investigation evaluated the interaction between Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma harzianum in the development and nutrition of potato plants (Solanum phureja), showing increasing leaf area, biomass (total, aerial and root) and root length in plants inoculated with each of the microorganisms compared to the plants without inoculation (control treatments) and chemical fertilizer applied plants. Namely, the presence of AMF, Trichoderma harzianum and the variation of concentrations of peat at 30% and 50% improved the development, growth and nutrition of potato plants.