Title: AM fungi improves plant fitness and melon fruit quality in field subjected to conventional fertilization

Biography:

Valeria Todeschini is a researcher in Botany since November 2016. She obtained her graduation in Biology at the University of Piemonte Orientale in July 2003, achieving in the same year the qualification to the profession of biologist. In 2007 she received her PhD in “Scienze Ambientali, Acque Interne e Agroecosistemi” from the same University. Actually, she is in charge with the teaching of the Plant Biotechnology course. Her studies are focused on plant-microbe (AMF and PGPB) interaction within: 1-the assisted phytoremediation techniques; 2-the qualitative improvement of crop and medicinal plants. She collaborates with various researchers from Italian and foreign Universities.

Abstract

Previous works have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance the quality of plant products and fruits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of AM inoculation on growth, yield, fitness and fruit quality in two cultivars (Baggio and Expò) of Cucumis melo L. plants grown in field under conventional agronomic practices. A greenhouse test, aimed at assessing the effects of AM symbiosis on shoot, leaf and flower development, was also performed on cv. Expò plants, grown in semi-controlled conditions.

In field, AM plants flowered earlier and produced more flowers, if compared to uninoculated ones; the concentration of sugars and carotenoids in their fruit pulp was increased by the symbioses. Under controlled conditions, AM fungi improved seed size, weight and germination, besides the root elongation in the first stage of growth. In conclusion, AM inoculation significantly improved fruit production and quality also increasing plant fitness.