Application of Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Production of Tomatoes in a Closed Space

Agricultural production requires alternative solutions for the application of pesticides and mineral fertilizers. One, reliable solution is definitely the application of mycorrhiza, because in addition to reducing the use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers, it increases the resistance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Mycorrhizal inoculation improves nutrient and water uptake by many host plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) grow in close association with plant roots and play an important symbiotic role in the uptake and transfer of water and nutrients in the root system; in exchange, the plant supplies the fungus with sugars. The aim of this research is the possibility of controlled application of mycorrhizae and examination of the influence of the symbiosis of mycorrhizae and tomato plants on achieving better yields, resistance to diseases and stress factors, as well as on plant growth itself. The main hypothesis of this field study was that the symbiosis of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus with tomato roots would increase crop growth and yield under stressful abiotic conditions. The test was conducted in a 300 m2greenhouseon an agricultural estate in Ustikolina with the application of mycorrhiza in the amount of 1g, 3g and 6 g., for each plant. The achieved results gave a clearer picture of the importance of the symbiotic action of mycorrhizal fungi and tomatoes in the form of improved growth and fruiting.