Utilization of Arbuskular Mikoriza Fungi [AMF] for growth and ready to release of three genotype gaharu [Aquilaria spp.]

Abstract

Abstract The agarwood sapling has low viability or about 47 % cause undeveloped roots. This problem was overcome through the application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus [AMF] at the acclimatization stage. AMF has the capability to improve root growth and coverage area, enabling a better capacity to absorb water and nutrients through its hyphae. to know the effective dose for enhancing the growth of agarwood saplings is the goal of this research. The genotypes used in this study were Aquilaria malacensis and Aquilaria microcarpa. The AMF doses were 7.5; 15; 22.5, and 30 gr/polybag. Saplings were acclimatized in soil that had been supplemented by husk charcoal and organic fertilizer Super UPPO [product of Andalas University CSR Program 2017]. The observations including the number of the viable sapling, the height, the leaf number, the leaf length, the root number, the percentage of the AMF infection, and the ready-to-release sapling. The best performance was an application of 30 g per polybag. These doses infected 70% of root surfaces, and 90% of saplings were categorized as ready-to-release saplings.