Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Crop Growth : Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Disease Control of Legumes

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play significant roles in enhanced uptake and transport of immobile nutrient, improve water relation, control plant disease by reducing pathogenic fungi, reduce environmental stresses etc. Legumes are important agricultural crops in Bangladesh. These crops are usually grown in non-irrigated, poor nutrient conditions. Many soil borne pathogens are causing different types of diseases of the crops. The inoculation of AMF with legume crops in Bangladesh may be a suitable technology for growth improvement, nutrient uptake and suppression of soil borne diseases. The present research programme was conducted in Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka and Chittagong University, Chittagong under a USDA funded project. We are grateful to the authorities to provide us facilities and USDA for financial assistance.