Effect of an Organic Fertilizer Based on Native Rhizophagus intraradices on Zea mays L. Yield in Northern Benin

Abstract

Aims: One of the alternatives proposed to improve the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems is the use of organic fertilizers based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the native mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus intraradices in the field at Ouenou in North Benin for improved maize (Zea mays L.) production. Study Design: The experimental design was a complete random block of three treatments. Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: Endomycorrhizal infection was assessed on roots of corn plants at 78 days post-seed. Methodology: Corn variety 2000 SYN EE-W was inoculated with the strain in combination with the mineral fertilizer (NPK) half-dose. Results: Results showed that of the three treatments, the highest heights were observed in plants treated with Rhizophagus intraradices +½ dose of NPK (15:15:15) and urea. The same observations were made with respect to leaf number and leaf area of plants and grain yield. Regarding the endomycorrhizal infection of plants inoculated with Rhizophagus intraradices +½ dose of NPK (15:15:15) and urea, of the three producers, the observation was that the endomycorrhizal infection was elevated to the level of the second producer (P2) which was of the order of (50%) while the mycorrhizal intensity was lower (24.6%) in the same producer. Conclusion: The native mycorrhizal fungus R. intraradices plus the half-dose NPK plus urea, had a positive impact on most of the various parameters.