Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Mildew Infection Percentage in Apple Seedling

In this study effects of soil fertilization via inoculation with a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (isolates Glomus) and fungicide (Flint and Stroby) on controlling Powdery Mildew disease in apple seedling (Maling merton, MM111) was evaluated. Apple seedlings were arranged via CRD in 4 treatments (5 replicates): control (non-AMF mixture, non-fungicide, T1), non-AMF mixture + fungicide Flint in 6 th week (T2), non-AMF mixture + fungicide Stroby in 6 th week (T3) and AMF mixture (T4), which were monitored throughout 9 week. Seedlings were exposed to Powdery Mildew on week 6 and T3 and T4 plants groups treated by fungicides after developing mildew colonies on the leaves. Results indicated that soil inoculation via AMF (T2) for apple seedlings (MM111) was more effective on decreasing percentage of infection than those treated by fungicide; however, the controlling disease by Flint was significantly boosted (P<0.01). It was concluded that plants cultivated in soil inoculated to AMF throughout 6 weeks had higher resistance against Powdery Mildew disease in apple seedling and it can be considered as a protective strategy in fruiting plants for reduce the negative effects of infectious fungi.