Effect of Natural Input and AMF on Establishment and Growth of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

Jeevamrit is defined by a substantial population of microbial organisms that multiply, enhancing nitrogen fixation and facilitating the mobilisation and utilisation of nutrients. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of natural inputs and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the establishment and growth performance of papaya.  A field investigation was conducted from June 2025 to February 2026 at the Crop Research Centre–III, Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.), India. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four levels of Jeevamrit application in the main plots (control, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and three levels of AM fungi in subplots (control, 25 g plant⁻¹, and 50 g plant⁻¹). The results revealed that the application of 50% Jeevamrit significantly enhanced various growth parameters, including plant height, stem girth, petiole length, and number of fully grown leaves throughout the growth period compared to the control. This improvement might be attributed to the enriched microbial activity and improved nutrient availability in the soil due to Jeevamrit application. Similarly, the application of AM fungi at 50 g plant⁻¹ showed a significant increase in growth attributes of papaya plants over the control. The symbiotic association of AM fungi likely improved nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and enhanced root development. Overall, the combined use of higher levels of Jeevamrit and AM fungi proved beneficial for better establishment and vigorous growth of papaya, suggesting their potential as sustainable and eco-friendly inputs in papaya cultivation.