Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae on sugarcane and on the biocontrol of Fusarium andiyazi

Background/Objective. Within the Fusarium species complex that causes sugarcane root rot, F. andiyazi stands out for its pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from Morelos on sugarcane growth and their potential for the biocontrol of F. andiyazi. Experimental development. Soil samples were collected from sugarcane fields in Jojutla, Morelos, where fifteen AMF morphospecies were identified and used as treatments in two bioassays. In the first bioassay, growth parameters and mycorrhizal colonization were evaluated. In the second, the biomass of plants inoculated with F. andiyazi and the degree of root necrosis were analyzed as indicators of biocontrol. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and mean separation tests (p≤0.05). Results. In the first bioassay, the genera Acaulospora and Glomus showed the highest mycorrhization values and significantly increased plant height, as well as root length and fresh weight. In the second bioassay, mycorrhizal plants inoculated with F. andiyazi showed significant increases in root length and dry weight. The morphospecies G. ambisporum and G. mosseae limited root infection to approximately 10% damage. Conclusion. Native AMF from Morelos demonstrated their ability to stimulate sugarcane growth and reduced the damage caused by F. andiyazi.