Begonia malabarica was found to be associated with an Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus aggregatum. Pot culture experiments showed that inoculation of Begonia with Glomus aggregatum caused a two fold increase in growth and biomass production as compared to the control plants. These findings indicate the potential use of AM fungi for improving the production of an important medicinal herb.
Mycorrhizal association, Glomus aggregatum, Begonia malabarica, Biomass
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