Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza on growth and essential oil yield of Anethum graveolens L.

The effect of inculation with two species of VAM fungi (Glomus macrocarpum and G. fasciculatum) in the presence or absence of fertilizer on growth of the plant and yield of essential oil in the seeds of Anethum graveolens was investigated. Significant increase was observed in vegetative growth of mycorrhizal treated plants. The essential oil concentration increased by 19.18% and 41.3% on inoculation with G. fasciculatum and G. macrocarpum respectively over the plants grown in recommended level of phosphorus in soil. The potential role of VAM fungi in low-input cultivation of A. graveolens is suggested.