Effects of AM fungi and organic fertilizers on the reproduction of the nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne incognita</Emphasis> and on the growth and water loss of tomato

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to assess the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora margarita) and organic fertilizers (cow dung, horse dung, goat dung and poultry manure) alone and in combination on the reproduction of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on growth and water loss of tomato. Meloidogyne incognita decreased water loss of tomato from the first week onwards after inoculation. AM fungi increased water loss of both nematode-infected and uninfected plants. Glomus mosseae was better at improving growth of tomato and reducing galling and nematode multiplication than G. margarita, but the rate of water loss was similar with both fungi. Addition of organic fertilizers improved growth of tomato, but decreased the rate of water loss. There was less galling and nematode multiplication with poultry manure, which improved tomato growth more than goat dung, while cow dung was the least effective organic fertilizer. Greatest plant growth and least nematode reproduction were observed in plants inoculated with M. incognita along with G. mosseae and poultry manure.     

氮钾化肥配合追施对日光温室番茄越冬长季节栽培产量与品质的影响

采用有机基质进行番茄越冬长季节栽培试验,研究尿素和硫酸钾不同追施比例对番茄产量与品质的影响。结果表明,氮钾肥合理配施可维持番茄植株营养生长与生殖生长的平衡,促进植株生长;氮钾肥适宜配比可增加番茄座果数与单果重,提高番茄产量;并增加番茄果实中Vc、还原糖与有机酸的含量,改善果实品质。整体而言,番茄越冬长季节栽培过程中,氮钾(N∶K2O)的追施比例以1∶1.2～1.3为宜;但不同生长时期番茄对氮钾养分的需求比例不同。因此,番茄越冬长季节栽培的生长期肥料供给应采用分段式管理,前期营养生长与生殖生长均旺盛,氮钾(N∶K2O)适宜追施比例为1∶1左右;中期大量钾素随果实采收而移走,应增加钾肥施用量,氮钾(N∶K2O)追施比例宜为1∶1.2～1∶1.4;后期番茄植株营养生长下降,应重视氮钾肥平衡施用,氮钾(N∶K2O)追施比例应为1∶1.2左右。     

Effect of N rate and split application on bahiagrass production

Abstract

Vegetative and reproductive growth were studied in five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cultivars under saline conditions imposed at the five‐leaf stage by addition of 50 mM NaCl to half strength Hoagland nutrient solution. The plants were raised in pots filled with washed quartz sand kept in a greenhouse. Stem height and number of leaves in tomato plants were significantly reduced when irrigated with saline regimes in contrast with control plants that received only the Hoagland solution. The highest number of flowers were obtained in the cultivar Pearson and the least in cultivar Strain B. Fruit set and yield were little affected by varietal differences and were not related to vegetative growth. Fruit weight was suppressed with NaCl stress, but improvement in weight was achieved when potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were added to the saline water. The most detrimental effect of NaCl stress was the reduction of biomass yield in tomatoes. However, the relative dry weights of Pearson and Monte Carlo were increased to 60% and 54%, respectively, when NaCl was supplemented with Ca. Large varietal differences in biomass occurred among the NaCl‐treated and control plants. Tomato fruit quality (TSS) was improved by salinization.     

Growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) as influenced by foliar application of organic fertilizers

Foliar application effects of two commercial organic fertilizers: Drin and Algaren on growth and flowering of two cultivars (‘Mahallati’ and ‘Dezfuli’) of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) were examined. This research was carried out in a complete randomized design with factorial arrangements including two factors (cultivars and organic fertilizers), each treatment with three replications. Drin and Algaren improved vegetative growth in tuberose and concentration of 0.4–0.6 mL L^?1 Drin and concentration of 0.6 and 0.8 mL L^?1 of Algaren could be recommended for foliar application on tuberose. This is the first report on using new types of organic fertilizers on ornamental bulbous plants. Further experiments are needed to clarify more the effects of these organic fertilizers on bulbous plants.     

Plant Growth in Response to Phosphorus Fertilizers in Acidic Soil Amended with Limestone or Organic Matter

Liming or adding organic matter may improve productivity of soils receiving phosphorus (P) fertilizers. This study assessed the effectiveness of amendment of acidic soil with limestone and organic matter on growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), corn (Zea mays L.), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) with different P fertilizers. These crops were grown in a greenhouse to evaluate superphosphate, bone meal, and rock phosphate as fertilizers and calcitic limestone and peat moss as amendments. Superphosphate was the superior P source to sustain crop growth, limit deficiency symptoms, and enhance P accumulation. Bone meal was less effective than superphosphate but exceeded rock phosphate in these capacities. Rock phosphate was better than adding no P fertilizer. The amendments of limestone or organic matter singly or together had little effect on growth, appearance, or P accumulation. The availability of P in the fertilizers governed the growth responses of the plants.     

Reduction in dose of chemical fertilizers and growth enhancement of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) with application of rhizospheric competent Pseudomonas aeruginosa LES4

Pseudomonas aeruginosa LES4, an isolate of tomato rhizosphere was found to be positive for several plant growth-promoting attributes like production of indole acetic acid, HCN and siderophore, solubilization of inorganic phosphate along with urease, chitinase and β-1-3-glucanase activity. In addition, it showed strong antagonistic effect against Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum. P. aeruginosa LES4 caused halo cell formation and other morphological deformities in mycelia of M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum. Root colonization was studied with Tn5 induced streptomycin resistant transconjugants of spontaneous tetracycline-resistant LES4 (designated LES4^tetra+strep+) after different durations. The strain was significantly rhizospheric competent, as 17.4% increase in its population was recorded in sesame rhizosphere. Seed bacterization with LES4 resulted in significant increase in vegetative growth parameters and yield of sesame over non-bacterized seeds. However, application of LES4 with half dose of fertilizers resulted in growth equivalent to full dose treatment, without compromising with the growth and yield of sesame. Moreover, the oil yield increased by 33.3%, while protein yield increased by 47.5% with treatment of half dose of fertilizer along with LES 4 bacterized seeds, as compared to full dose of fertilizers.     

Alleviation of Salt Stress in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Seedlings Through the Application of Liquid Seaweed Extracts of Fucus spiralis

Many research studies have shown the importance of seaweed extract (SWE) in alleviating stress damage to plants. In this study, we examined the effect of liquid SWEs made from brown seaweed, Fucus spiralis, on germination, growth, antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical attributes of durum wheat under different levels of NaCl concentrations. Application of SWE at different concentrations (5, 10, 25, and 50%) significantly enhanced seed germination and growth parameters under salt stress, especially with 25% of seaweed liquid extract. Results show that the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased with increasing the algal extract concentration to 50%. Therefore, algal treatment is proved to be an effective technique to improve the growth of wheat seedlings under salt stress conditions. This study provides important information on the identification and utilization of seaweed resources for agriculture and it is the first study to report on the uses of this macroalgae as biostimulants in agriculture.

Abbreviations TG: total germination (%); SL: shoot length (cm); SFW: seedling fresh weight (g); SDW: seedling dry weight (g); TC: total carotenoids (mg/g.FW); TSP: total soluble proteins (mg/g.FW); SSC: soluble sugars content (mg/g.FW); TPC: (µg equivalent AG/mg DW); CAT: catalase (U mg^?1 protein); SOD: superoxide dismutase (U mg^?1 protein); APX: ascorbate peroxydase (U mg^?1 protein).     

Effects of Salinity Stress at Different Growth Stages on Tomato Growth,Yield, and Water-Use Efficiency

This study investigated the effects of salinity stress at different growth stages on the growth, yield, fruit quality, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants cultivated under soilless conditions. Six different growth stages were exposed to the same salinity stress treatments using a completely randomized design, with three pots (six plants) per treatment. It was found that short-term (<21 days) salinity stress during any of the growth stages did not affect tomato growth or WUE, and during the vegetative stage did not affect yield. Salinity stress during the flowering and fruiting stages caused a reduction in tomato yield, which was due to a reduction in the number of fruit produced rather than the fruit size. However, salt exposure at the fruiting stage also improved fruit quality. The effect of salinity stress on the yield and fruit quality of the frontal and later truss depended on the developmental stage of the truss at the time when the stress occurred.     

Assessment of Compost Extract on Yield and Phytochemical Contents of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa cv. chinensis) Grown under Different Fertilizer Strategies

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different extraction of compost extracts on pak choi (Brassica rapa cv. chinensis) under two fertilizer regimes. Aerated compost extract (ACE) and non-aerated compost extract (NCE) were prepared and all treatments (ACE + organic fertilizer, NCE + organic fertilizer, ACE + inorganic fertilizer, NCE + inorganic fertilizer) were conducted in randomized block design. Soil microbiological analysis after treatment was done. Plants grown with ACE + inorganic fertilizers yielded maximum in fresh, dry weight, and N mineral content compared to others. Plants receiving NCE + organic fertilizers produced a higher phenolic content, whereas antioxidant capacity was observed maximum at NCE + inorganic fertilizers. Soil microbiological analysis significantly increased in yeast and nitrogen fixing bacteria count at ACE + organic fertilizers. The co-application of inorganic fertilizers and compost extract had a significant effect on vegetative growth, quality of the pak choi, and soil fertility.     

RESPONSES OF TOMATO VAR. TINY TOM TO APPLICATION OF COPPER AND ZINC FERTILIZERS IN THREE LIMED TROPICAL PEAT SOILS OF SARAWAK

We assessed the response of the tomato variety “Tiny Tom” to the application of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers in three tropical peat soils of Sarawak: mixed swamp forest, Alan forest and Padang Alan forest. Limed soils were used because peat soils in their natural condition are unsuitable to sustain healthy growth of most crops. Yield responses were correlated with added Cu and Zn using Mitscherlich model. Adequate levels of applied Cu and Zn were calculated as those which resulted in 90% of the maximum obtainable shoot dry weight. Application of Cu and Zn significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the shoot dry weight and the shoot Cu and Zn concentrations of tomato. Application of the equivalent of 8.3 kg Cu and 5.2 kg Zn per ha was required to achieve 90% of the maximum shoot dry weight. In tomato shoots, the critical concentration for Cu was 18 mg/kg and for Zn, 92 mg/kg. The corresponding concentrations for diethylenetriaminepentaaceticacid (DTPA) extractable Cu and Zn in the soils were 2.3 mg Cu kg ^?1 and 3.6 mg Zn kg ^?1 . However, the addition of Cu fertilizer also increased Zn uptake by tomato plant, probably by displacing native Zn that was weakly sorbed to the soil solid phase.     

植物源杀菌包膜复合肥对番茄生长、氮肥利用率及病害的影响

利用植物源杀菌材料作为包衣剂研制出杀菌包膜复合肥, 在番茄小区试验中研究了其杀菌及对番茄生长的影响。结果表明: 各杀菌包膜复合肥处理(分别用ZYF1~ ZYF5 表示)均能有效延缓养分的释放, 与施普通复合肥处理(CK1)相比各杀菌包膜复合肥处理土壤硝态氮在番茄生长后期仍能保持较高含量。除ZYF4 处理外, 其余杀菌包膜复合肥处理番茄产量均明显高于CK1, 其中ZYF3 处理番茄产量最高, 达11.1 kg·m^-2, 较CK1 高16.8%。各杀菌包膜复合肥处理的氮肥利用率也均大于CK1(33.3%), 其中ZYF2、ZYF3 处理分别较CK1 处理高9.9 个和9.5 个百分点。各杀菌包膜复合肥对番茄的Vc 含量无显著影响, ZYF1 处理显著降低了番茄的硝酸盐含量, 而ZYF2、ZYF4、ZYF5 处理则促进了番茄对硝酸盐的累积。各杀菌包膜复合肥处理显著降低了番茄枯萎病、灰霉病的发病率, 其中ZYF1 处理对这两种病菌均有较高的抑制作用, 使发病率较CK1 分别下降17.7 个和12.5 个百分点。     

Effect of seaweed sap as foliar spray on growth and yield of hybrid maize

Seaweeds are important marine renewable resources. Use of seaweeds as fertilizers has allowed for substitution in place of conventional synthetic fertilizers. This study was conducted to examine the effect of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake by hybrid maize. The experiments were conducted in ZARS, Vishweshwaraiah Canal farm, Mandya (Karnataka, India) during the rabi season of 2011–2013 to study the effect of foliar applications of Kappaphycus alvarezii (K sap) and Gracilaria edulis (G sap) sap on growth and yield response of hybrid maize “NAH 1137”. Three foliar sprays of both saps were applied at the rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, and 15.0% (v/v) along with water spray as a control at different stages of the crop. It was found that grain yield increased significantly by 18.54% and 26.04% for plants receiving 10% concentrations of both K. alvarezii and G. edulis sap respectively, over control. The increase in yield was attributed to increase in the number of rows in cob, cob length, and 100 grain weight. This investigation concludes that application of both the saps at 10% increased the nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield over control.     

Comparative effects of compost and NPK fertilizer on vegetative growth,protein, and carbohydrate of Moringa oleifera lam hybrid PKM-1

A field study evaluated the effects of NPK (21:17:17) and compost on vegetative growth, proteins, and carbohydrates of Moringa oleifera. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments replicated three times. Compost and NPK fertilizers were applied together which include control (without fertilizer) 5 t ha^?1 (Compost), 120 kg ha^?1 (NPK), 50 + 50% ha^?1 (NPK + Compost), 10 + 50% ha^?1 (NPK + Compost), and 50 + 10% ha^?1 (NPK + Compost) per plot. For NPK fertilizer, the rate was 10 and 50% of 120 kg ha^?1 and for compost it was 10 and 50% of 5 t ha^?1. The measured growth parameters were plant height (cm), stem girth (mm), number of leaves, and number of branches per plant. Results showed that 120 kg ha^?1 (NPK) treatment produced plants of more height, stem girth, more number of leaves, maximum number of branches as compared to other treatments at week 8 with higher protein. Carbohydrate content was high in 50 + 50% (NPK + Compost) compared to others.     

聚合果属生物炭引起的咸水灌溉下土壤养分有效性和番茄生长变化

Thermally modified organic materials commonly known as biochar have gained popularity of being used as a soil amendment.Little information, however, is available on the role of biochar in alleviating the negative impacts of saline water on soil productivity and plant growth. This study, therefore, was conducted to investigate the effects of Conocarpus biochar(BC) and organic farm residues(FR) at different application rates of 0.0%(control), 4.0% and 8.0%(weight/weight) on yield and quality of tomatoes grown on a sandy soil under drip irrigation with saline or non-saline water. The availability of P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu to plants was also investigated. The results demonstrated clearly that addition of BC or FR increased the vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters in all irrigation treatments. It was found that salt stress adversely affected soil productivity, as indicated by the lower vegetative growth and yield components of tomato plants. However, this suppressing effect on the vegetative growth and yield tended to decline with application of FR or BC, especially at the high application rate and in the presence of biochar. Under saline irrigation system, for instance, the total tomato yield increased over the control by 14.0%–43.3% with BC and by 3.9%–35.6% with FR. These could be attributed to enhancement effects of FR or BC on soil properties, as indicated by increases in soil organic matter content and nutrient availability. Therefore, biochar may be effectively used as a soil amendment for enhancing the productivity of salt-affected sandy soils under arid conditions.     

Effect of magnesium fertilization on yield and leaf composition of tomato plants

Tomato plants were grown for 2 years at 4 different rates of Mg fertilization on a Princeton loamy sand at pH 4.8 with 29 kg exchangeable Mg/ha. Calcareous limestone was used to provide a pH treatment in the second year. Magnesium deficiency symptoms were observed on plants grown on plots having ≤ 38 kg/ha NH₄OAC‐extractable Mg. Application of 56 kg Mg/ha corrected Mg deficiency and produced a significant increase in yield. Application of calcitic limestone also produced significant yield increases, but did not affect the development of Mg deficiency symptoms. Tomato yield was increased 27.9% by Mg application and 17.7% by lime application. Highest tomato yield was obtained with application of 112 kg Mg/ha. Symptoms of Mg deficiency were observed when the Mg concentration in recently mature leaf tissue was in the 0.30 to 0.32% range. Magnesium concentration in leaf tissue increased linearly with increasing Mg rate. Leaf Mg concentration at various growth stages of the tomato plant was variable depending on Mg treatment. Magnesium fertilization rate bad little effect on Ca or K leaf concentrations. Application of Calcltic limestone increased leaf tissue Ca and reduced leaf tissue Mg and Mn concentrations.     

Rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain SQRT3-Mediated Induced Systemic Resistance Controls Bacterial Wilt of Tomato

Tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum seriously threats tomato growth in tropical and temperate regions around the world. This study reported an antagonistic bacterial strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain SQRT3, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants, which strongly inhibited in vitro growth of pathogenic R. solanacearum. The suppression of tomato bacterial wilt by strain SQRT3 was demonstrated under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, induced systemic resistance (ISR) in tomato as one of the potential disease suppression mechanisms was investigated in the plants inoculated with the isolated bacterial strain SQRT3. The results showed that strain SQRT3 applied with R. solanacearum by drenching significantly reduced tomato bacterial wilt by 68.1% biocontrol efficiency (BE) and suppressed the R. solanacearum populations in the rhizosphere soil compared to the control only drenched with R. solanacearum. The BE of the isolated bacterial strain SQRT3 against tomato wilt increased to 84.1% by root-dipping. Tomato plants treated with both strain SQRT3 and R. solanacearum showed increases in activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase compared with other treatments. The application of strain SQRT3 reduced membrane lipid peroxidation in tomato leaves. The expressions of marker genes for jasmonic acid-and salicylic acid-dependent signaling pathways were faster and stronger in tomato plants treated with both strain SQRT3 and R. solanacearum than in plants treated with either R. solanacearum or strain SQRT3 alone. Collectively, the findings indicated that strain SQRT3 can effectively control tomato wilt.     

Growth Responses of Organic Tomato Seedlings to N Liquid Fertilizers and Compost-Amended Growing Media

This work evaluated the response of organic tomato seedlings to locally produced compost-amended growing media and commonly used N liquid fertilizers. Green (GC) and mixed (MC) composts were used in growing media formulation with 70, 45, 20, and 0% (control based on peat) on volume basis for organic tomato seedling growth. Three locally available N liquid fertilizers, hydrolyzed-protein-based fertilizer (HP), blood-meal-based fertilizer (BM), and algae-extract-based fertilizer (AE), were tested. Seedlings were evaluated 34 days after sowing for plant height; stem diameter; shoot weights; sturdiness index; specific leaf area; and N, P, and K contents in the seedlings shoot. The statistical analysis showed that the substrate type, fertilizer, and their interaction significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected, in most cases, the seedlings growth. The compost, especially with 20 or 45% amended substrate, produced longer seedlings with thicker diameter, greater fresh and dry weights, and greater leaves number compared to the control (compost-free) substrate. The use of the HP or the AE fertilizer generally contributed to better seedlings growth than did the BM-based fertilizer. The HP fertilizer clearly affected (p ≤ 0.01) the seedling diameter, fresh weight, and leave numbers while the AE fertilizer affected clearly seedling sturdiness index. The use of the GC or MC compost complemented with the HP or the AE fertilizer successfully reduced up to 45% of peat use in growing media and produced robust organic tomato seedlings.     

Salinity tolerance in tomato: Implications of potassium,calcium, and phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of salinity on the growth and yield of tomato plants and mineral composition of tomato leaves was studied. Five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cultivars, Pearson, Strain B, Montecarlo, Tropic, and Marikit, were grown in sand nutrient culture. The nutrient solutions applied consisted of a modified half‐strength Hoagland solution with 50 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), 3 mM potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄), 1.5 mM orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and 10 mM calcium sulphate (CaSO₄). Stem height and number of leaves of tomato plants were not found to be significantly different but leaf and stem dry weight were reduced significantly in plants irrigated with saline nutrient solution in contrast with control plants. The total yield was reduced in plants that received saline treatments, but there was no significant difference in fruit number and fruit set percentage. The fruit electrical conductivity and total soluble solids were increased in plants irrigated with saline nutrient solution. Fruit pH was not found to be significantly different among salinity treatments. Mineral composition of tomato leaves were increased by addition of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) to the saline nutrient solution. The addition of K to the solution resulted in an increase in sodium (Na) leaf content. The amounts of K and magnesium (Mg) were not significantly different among salinity treatments. Calcium content was increased when CaSO₄ was added. Application of H₃PO₄ resulted in the highest amount of P in tomato leaves under saline conditions. The present study revealed that application of K, P, and Ca under saline conditions improved fruit electrical conductivity and total soluble solids. Sufficiency levels of the mineral nutrients K and P were obtained in tomato leaves when the appropriate nutrient was used in the saline solution.     

灰黄青霉对瓜列当的防效及对番茄根区土壤微生物的影响

根寄生杂草瓜列当（Orobanche aegyptiaca）严重危害番茄（Solanum lycopersicum）等多种经济作物的产量和品质。如何有效防除仍是当今瓜列当研究重点之一。真菌是列当的生防因子之一,但目前对农作物无致病性的列当生防真菌的研究尚少。本研究通过培养皿试验研究1株灰黄青霉（Penicillium griseofulvum,CF3）的无细胞发酵滤液对瓜列当种子萌发和发芽管生长的影响,通过盆栽试验研究CF3粉状制剂对瓜列当的防除效果及对寄主番茄生长和根区土壤微生物的影响。结果表明：1）培养皿试验中,CF3发酵液抑制了瓜列当种子萌发和发芽管生长。其中,在放有瓜列当种子与番茄幼苗的培养皿中,加入CF3发酵液后培养6 d,瓜列当种子的萌发均被完全抑制;添加CF3发酵液与霍格兰德营养液体积比为1∶2、1∶4、1∶6和1∶8的混合液培养8 d后,瓜列当种子的萌发率与对照相比分别减少80.26%、70.26%、68.10%和47.51%。CF3发酵液原液、10倍稀释液和100倍稀释液处理后使瓜列当发芽管长度与对照相比分别缩短100.00%、68.84%和19.24%。2）盆栽试验中,CF3菌剂抑制了瓜列当的出土和单株瓜列当的生长,并使番茄增产。施加1.0 g·kg^-1 CF3菌剂130 d后,瓜列当的出土数量、出土率和单株瓜列当干重分别降低76.19%、85.30%和28.48%,番茄果实鲜重增加51.57%。此外,灰黄青霉菌剂还调整了番茄根区土壤的微生物区系结构,使施加菌剂130 d后番茄根区土壤中除接入CF3外真菌数量与对照相比降低75.60%,细菌与真菌的数量之比增加117.57%。平均来看,CF3使番茄根区土壤中除CF3外真菌数量降低42.81%,放线菌总数增加84.15%。本研究表明,灰黄青霉CF3具有防除番茄上寄生瓜列当的能力,适宜作为瓜列当的生防真菌。     

An investigation of the impact of Glomus clarum (mycorrhiza) on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum mill.) on both sterilized and non-sterilized soils

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of Glomus clarum (mycorrhiza) on the growth of tomato seedlings grown in both sterilized and non-sterilized soils. Highest growth parameter values were recorded in tomato plants inoculated with mycorrhiza but grown in sterilized soil, followed by those grown in non-sterilized soil but inoculated with mycorrhiza also. Sterilized but non-inoculated tomato plants also had growth and were closely followed by non-sterilized, non-inoculated tomato plants. There was no significant difference in all the treatments when girth of the tomato plants used was measured in this study. Nutrient uptake (N,P,K) was significantly found highest in the inoculated sterilized tomato plants while it was found lowest in the non-sterilized, non-inoculated tomato plants. Generally, mycorrhizal-inoculated tomato plants (whether sterilized or non-sterilized) showed better growth in all the treatments used.