Effect of AMF propagule dosage forms on the growth and production of Amaranthus tricolor L.

Abstract

Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L) contains vitamins (A, B2, B6, K, and folate), proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium. Red spinach also contain anthocyanins (red pigments) that function as antioxidants to prevent free radical oxidation. The use of biofertilizers can give benefits to the soil and plants. Mycorrhizal fungi can be used as a type of biological fertilizer. The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in powder dosage forms can help the growth of plants. However, this dosage form has disadvantages, so a study is needed to determine the effectiveness of AMF in various dosage forms. This study applied the Latin Square Design (LSD), with three treatments of AMF propagule dosage forms, namely: tablets, sachets, and powders, without AMF application as a comparison/control. The results showed that the effectiveness of AMF propagule in dosage form sachets provided a reasonable infection rate with fertile plant growth and harvest index value was not significantly different from other dosage forms, due to the attack of plant-disturbing organisms before harvest. So, further research is needed to determine the effect of the AMF propagule dosage form in physiological review without invasion of plant-disturbing organisms.