The effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) applications on the silage maize (Zea mays L.) yield in different irrigation regimes

In this study the effect of AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) Glomus intraradices on the silage yield of maize (Zea mays L) under five different irrigation regimes was studied. Plant height, green herbage yield, dry matter yield, leaf, stem and ear ratios were evaluated as yield criteria in the study. It was found that AMF inoculation increased the silage yield in the whole irrigation when compared to those which were not applied with AMF. In addition, it was particularly established that AMF application brought about significant increase even in restricted irrigation conditions in green and dry matter yield. It was also realised that, with AMF application, there was an increase in leaf and stem ratios but a decrease in ear ratios. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.