The present investigation deals with the effect of six different species of
mycorrhizal inoculation on the germination and growth of Lycopersicon esculentum
Mill (Tomato). This experiment was conducted to observe the efficient VAM
inoculation that would be beneficial for plant growth. Tomato occupies a prominent
position in vegetables and is a commercially exploited crop. The local variety of
tomatoes (1057) was inoculated with six different AM fungal inoculums in the
germinating media. The germination percentage and plant vigour were increased by
different VA mycorrhizal fungi. The minimum number of days taken for germination
was observed by Glomus fasciculatum (6 days) followed by G. mosseae, G.
monosporum, G. heterosporum, G. geosporum and G. multicaule (7 days). The highest
germination percent was recorded with G. fasciculatum (96%) followed by G.
geosporum (94.12 per cent) when compared to the control. The highest shoot height,
root length, fresh shoot weight and the highest fresh root weight were recorded with
Glomus fasciculatum compared to the control and other VA fungal species. Hence, it is
concluded that AM fungi help in better seed germination by mutualistic symbiosis.
Keywords: Germination, Glomus spp., Mycorrhiza, Mutualism, Lycopersicon esculentum
