Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi against Charcoal Rot of Sesame and Optimized Fertilization for Enhancing Growth, Productivity, and Nutrient Uptake

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices) individually and combined with fertilization levels of superphosphate (SP) in rock phosphate form and potassium sulfate (PS) on sesame plant growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake.Results showed that AMF inoculation combined with different SP and PS rates significantly decreased daming-off (Pre and post emargance-damping off) and charcoal rot diseases compared with untreated control.Also, root colonization with AMF of sesame was high in the plants treated with SP at the low-level of AMF+SP (2.0), which was more and significantly effective for decreasing disease incidence gradually with increasing the fertility level of SP.The yield components of sesame plants treated with AMF in the presence of SP and RF levels were significantly increased compared to the control of non-treated plants.The results showed, also, that the AMF increased the nutrient uptake of PO 4 , K, and Na in shoots and roots.AMF, also,enhanced the activity of enzymes involved in synthesizing sucrose, and essential sugars in plant metabolism, while reduced the activity of enzymes involved in the breakdown of sucrose.In addition, AMF increased levels of soluble sugars, proteins, and amino acid production in the plant.In conclusion, sesame cultivation in the presence of AMF with low SP and PS fertilizers can control damping-off and charcoal-rot in addition to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and crop parametersn.