Morphological and nutritional performance of maize (Zea mays L.) inoculated with phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms

The use of microbial inoculants presents potential benefits for the development of crops. This study aimed to evaluate different phosphate-solubilizing inoculants on the early development of maize. The trials were conducted in pots under experimental conditions, with seeds inoculated using fungal and bacterial microbial suspensions. Morphological parameters such as root and shoot length, fresh and dry biomass of roots and shoots, and bioaccumulated phosphorus (P) content were determined up to the V8 growth stage. The solutions containing phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms showed potential to enhance plant development, fresh and dry biomass accumulation, and bioaccumulated phosphorus (P) content, especially the fungal inoculant Scleroderma citrinum, a microorganism of emerging agricultural interest.