Response of banana (Musa sp.) to vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae and varied levels of inorganic fertilizers

Inoculation of VAM significantly increased growth of banana plants compared to non−mycorrhizal control and was also effective in increasing nutrient uptake by the plant. VAM influenced growth attributing characters (Plant height, girth, production of functional leaves) and yield attributing components (Finger length, No. of fingers bunch⁻¹, No. of hands bunch⁻¹ and bunch weight) contributed towards higher yield. Optimum yield in terms of bunch weight per plant (16.5 kg) was obtained with application of VAM + 300 g N + 75 g P₂0₅ + 300 g K₂O per plant. About 50 per cent saving of phosphorus was achieved through the use of VAM. Increase in the concentration of N, P, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu was observed in mycorrhizal plants.