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Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the applicability of microbial inoculants
entrapped in alginate gel. Glomus deserticola (AM) was inoculated into soil microcosms,
enriched with rock phosphate, as either free form or entrapped in calcium alginate
alone or in combination with a P-solubilizing yeast culture (Yarowia lipolytica).
Plant dry weight, soluble P acquisition, and mycorrhizal index were equal in treatments
inoculated with free and alginate-entrapped AM. Dual inoculation with entrapped G.
deserticola and free cells of Y. lipolytica significantly increased all analyzed variables.
Highest rates of the latter were obtained when both fungal microorganisms were applied
co-entrapped in the carrier. The yeast culture behaved as a 'mycorrhiza helper microorganism'
enhancing mycorrhization of tomato roots. These results indicate that dual inoculation
with an AM fungus and a P-solubilizing microorganism co-entrapped in alginate can
be an efficient technique for plant establishment and growth in nutrient deficient
soils.