Enhancement in growth and quality parameters of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] through inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in an acid soil

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from natural and cultivated tea rhizospheres (NTR and CTR, respectively) on growth as well as on quality parameters of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. Seeds (after germination) and cuttings were inoculated with AMF consortia from NTR and CTR in non-sterilized acid soil (pH 5.0). Seedlings and cuttings were grown under net-house conditions and the data on growth and quality parameters were recorded up to 2 years. Tea plants were found to be highly colonized by AMF (74-83%) after 1 year. The significant increase in most of the growth parameters (root/shoot length, dry weight; r/s ratio) was recorded in AMF-treated plants, which also showed better tea quality parameters than noninoculated plants. Maximum significant increases up to 31% and 100%, over control, were recorded in amino acids and total protein content, respectively. Similarly, maximum increase in total polyphenols (15%) and caffeine content (34%) over control was also significant. Enhanced sugar content (maximum 16% in total soluble sugars, maximum 45% in reducing sugars, and maximum 69% in non-reducing sugars) was recorded in AMF-inoculated plants. In most cases, better response was observed in tea plants inoculated with AMF consortia from NTR. These results indicate that growth and quality of tea can be improved by AMF inoculations in acid soils.