DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON PLANT GROWTH AND FUSARIUM WILT OF MELON PLANTS

In this study, the effect of AMF application on growth and Fusarium wilt disease severity of melon plants were investigated. At first, G. caledonium, G. clarum, G. etunicatum, G. intraradices, G. mossae and the cocktail containing these five species were inoculated to the plant samples and it was determined that G. etunicatum interacted best with melon plants, according to the plant growth parameters and root infection rates after 8 weeks. Then the effect of G. etunicatum inoculation on Fusarium wilt was investigated by pot and greenhouse trials. AMF increased both root and shoot lengths of the plants and also retarded the wilt disease development and reduced disease rates.