Effect of phosphate-dissolving fungi on growth and phosphorus uptake of crops

Pot experiment was carried out in soil conditions to evaluate the effects of phosphate-dissolving fungus (Penicillium oxalicum P8) on plant growth and P uptake. Three types of calcareous soil and three crops as maize (Zea Mays), peanut (Atachis hypogaea L.) and canola (Brassica napus) were employed. Soil in all pots planted 5 sets crop in succession and each set of crop was harvested after 30d growth. Results showed that inoculation of Penicillium oxalicum P8 could increase the biomass and P uptake of all three crops in all soils. The effect of Penicillium oxalicum P8 with peanut was more significant than that with corn or canola. Increment rate of peanut and canola biomass in soil with lower available P was greater than soil with higher available P. As for P uptake, only canola growing in soil containing lower available P enhanced the percentage of P uptake more than that in soil with higher available P. In a certain extent, inoculation of Penicillium oxalicum P8 could alleviate the negative effect of lower temperature on crop growth and phosphorus uptake during growing stage.