Enhance the growth and yield of garden egg varieties (Solanum aethiopicum L.) through integrated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi biochar and application

This study investigates the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Biochar, and Nitrogen on the growth and yield of garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum L.) in both rain and dry seasons. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for plant height revealed that AMF and Biochar significantly increased plant height in both seasons, while Nitrogen's impact was not significant. However, the interactions among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen were generally not significant for plant height, suggesting no synergistic effects among these factors during the entire growing period. The Tukey HSD test indicated that treatments combining AMF and Biochar, particularly at optimum levels, resulted in the tallest plants. For fresh fruit yield, significant three-way interactions (AMF.BIOCHAR.NITROGEN) were observed, particularly in the rain season, underscoring the importance of integrating these soil amendments to enhance yield. This interaction remained significant in the dry season, demonstrating the robustness of combined AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen applications in improving plant performance under varying environmental conditions. Non-marketable yield was significantly reduced by the three-way interaction in both seasons, likely due to the combined benefits of enhanced nutrient uptake, improved soil structure, and optimized Nitrogen use. The significant interaction effects highlighted the complex synergy among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen, resulting in better crop productivity and reduced non-marketable yield. Chlorophyll content (SPAD units) was also significantly influenced by the three-way interaction in both seasons, with treatments involving AMF showing higher chlorophyll content. This finding aligned with previous research demonstrating the role of AMF in improving nutrient uptake and plant growth, while Biochar enhances soil properties and Nitrogen efficiency. The study concluded that AMF and Biochar significantly improve plant height and yield of garden egg in both rainy and dry seasons. The combined application of AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen resulted in significant synergistic effects, enhancing crop productivity and reducing non-marketable yield. These findings emphasized the potential of integrating AMF and Biochar in soil management practices to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity. Further research should explore the long-term effects of AMF and Biochar on soil health and crop performance, as well as the economic feasibility of these amendments for large-scale agricultural practices. Additionally, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic interactions among AMF, Biochar, and Nitrogen can provide deeper insights into optimizing these factors for various crops and environmental conditions.