Arsenic and mycorrhizal interaction of crops in Bangladesh

Crops are often contaminated with arsenic in Bangladesh. This result from irrigation water contaminated with arsenic and leads to problems in human health. Mycorrhizal fungi have their most significant effect on P uptake & reduce arsenic contamination to the crops. The study was to know the mycorrhizal status of different crops & the role of mycorrhiza on crops growth in arsenic amended soil. Tomato, radish & garlic were grown in arsenic amended soil with or without mycorrhizal inoculation. The arsenic concentrations 10, 100 & 500 ppm were used. At higher concentration the seed germination was affected. A positive germination response to AMF inoculation was observed in all crops. In garlic seed germination & growth was higher at 500ppm & lower in other two crops. In tomato & radish the studied parameters were higher in AMF inoculated pots in comparison to their respective treatments and decreased significantly with the increase rate of arsenic concentrations. Higher nutrient uptake and less arsenic content were recorded in mycorrhiza inoculated plants. The findings indicate that AMF inoculation minimize arsenic toxicity & increase growth and nutrient uptake of crops.

Autorentext

Nibir Kumar Saha has obtained his B.Sc.Ag.(Hons.) & M.S.(Agri.) from Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh and secured 1st class in both the exam. He also obtained 1st Div. in HSC and SSC. Mr. Saha started his career with wheat research in BARI and then rice research in BRAC. He trained in rice breeding from IRRI, Philippines.