Response of Biostimulants Based on Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of the Glomeraceae on Maize Yield in a Farming Environment

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202307.0883.v1
• Publication Date: 2023-07-14T02:16:47Z
• Authors: Alao T. Luckman; Abdel D. Koda; Ricardos M. Aguégué; Sylvestre A. Assogba; Olaréwadjou Amogou; Corentin Apkodé; Marcel Adoko; Nadège Adoukè Agb...; Nestor Ahoyo Adjovi; Adolphe Adjanohoun; Olubukola Olurant...; Lamine Baba-Moussa
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 15. Life on land

In the face of persistent soil degradation in Benin due to poor agricultural practices, including excessive use of chemical fertilizers, there is an urgent need to seek solutions that integrate microorganisms of interest. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of combining three strains of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize production in northern Benin. The study involved 34 growers in Ouénou, Bagou, and Kokey. The experimental set-up consisted of three elementary plots with three treatments. Growth parameters were measured every 15 days, from the 15th to the 60th day after sowing, on ten plants per plot. Plant nutritional status, grain yield and mycorrhization were measured. Results showed that biostimulant + 50% NPK_Urea had similar positive effects on growth parameters to those induced by the application of 100% NPK_Urea. Gains of 30.25 to 36.35% were recorded in plant height at Kokey. On the other hand, biostimulant+ 50% NPK_Urea induced a better phosphorus uptake of 21.08 to 27.77%. In addition, the grain yield of mycorrhizal plants was 8.37% higher than that of plants receiving 100% NPK_Urea at Ouénou. These results show that this technology could be integrated into the agricultural system to promote sustainable maize growing in Benin.