Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on enhancing growth, fruit quality, and functional substances in tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant performance and bioactive compound concentrations in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). This factorial pot experiment included nine replications over 120 days of cultivation. Three AMF species (Rhizophagus prolifer, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Acaulospora mellea) were utilized as inoculum, while non-mycorrhizal controls with or without synthetic NPK fertilizer were compared. Interestingly, C. etunicatum KS-02 inoculations effectuated the best fruit growth and weight, which were statistically higher than those of the control without AMF. However, only fruit fresh weight was higher in plants inoculated with C. etunicatum KS-02 than those treated with the synthetic NPK fertilizer. In addition, C. etunicatum KS-02 inoculations induced a ≥ 11% increase in DDPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl) activity, lycopene content, and carotenoid content compared to the control. This study is the first to report Claroideoglomus species’ effectiveness in promoting growth, fruit yield, and bioactive compound production in L. esculentum Mill. These findings substantiate the significant potential of C. etunicatum KS-02 for tomato cultivation without the adverse effects of excessive synthetic fertilizer use.