Assessing the Efficacy of Commercially Available Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Biofertilizers in Ameliorating Salinity Stress in Capsicum annuum L. Plants

IJEP 46(8): 782-789 : Vol. 46 Issue 8 (August 2026)

Full Text

Sreyashi Ghosh and Bidisha Sharma*

Cotton University, Department of Botany, Guwahati – 781 001, Assam, India

Abstract

Soil salinization is recognized as one of the most significant abiotic stresses globally, affecting a substantial portion of arable land. It has, in turn, reduced the productivity of many economically important crops. Uttar Pradesh, India’s leading state in wheat production, accounts for the largest area under sodic and saline soils. Capsicum annuum L. plants were cultivated in saline soil in the following experiment. The study showed differences in growth and physiological parameters between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-colonized and non-colonized plants, particularly in qualitative parameters, such as proline and chlorophyll content. The spore count increased by 65% in the AMF-inoculated soil compared to the non-inoculated control plant. Plant height increased by 28%. In terms of physiological parameters, chlorophyll content increased by 42%, while proline accumulation increased by 56%, indicating improved stress tolerance. These findings emphasize how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can be a sustainable approach to overcoming salinity and promoting plant growth by improving nutrient uptake, enhancing water-holding capacity, maintaining ionic homeostasis and promoting long-term soil improvement through enhanced microbial diversity.

Keywords

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Salinity stress, Capsicum annuum, Growth parameters, Proline content

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