Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Yields of Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under Protected Conditions

Context: Pepper yields have declined in recent years due to the impact of several factors, including the presence and little availability of nutrients in the soil, and the lack of efficient strains of AMF in the technological package. The application of AMF strains in the nutritional process of pepper improves nutrient availability in the soil, and increases crop yields.

Aim: To evaluate the yields of pepper (Capsicum annum L.) inoculated with efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)

Methods: Direct inoculation of microorganisms during transplantation with a 10% proportion, depending on the root-ball volume. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with four treatments, and four repetitions, with a control that was not inoculated, and three levels of inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices (INCAN-11), Glomus cubense (INCAN-4), and Funneliformis mosseae (INCAN-2). The zigzag sampling of fungal variables was done along the field, and several variables were evaluated: root colonization percent, visual density, and spore contents. Additionally, plant and fruit height and thickness were determined, and the fruits were weighed to determine crop yields.

Results: The best results were achieved with the Glomus cubense (INCAN-4) (T3) strain. The results observed showed the efficacy of the third treatment, which produced a cost-effectiveness of $ 3.13.

Conclusions: The AMF strains used had a favorable behavior in relation to the indicators evaluated: growth, development, and crop yield. The application of G. cubense (INCAN-4) produced the best pepper (Capsicum annum L.) yields.