Growth behavior and chemical contents of amaryllis hybrid seedlings as affected by phosphorus nano-fertilizer and mycorrhizae

Abstract

Specific treatments can improve and hasten the growth of amaryllis seedlings. In the present study, hybrid seedlings of amaryllis were sprayed with 0.5 and 1 g of nano-phosphorus (Nano-P) and inoculated with 20 and 40 g of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) alone or in combination. Nano-P alone significantly affected root number, with the maximum value at 0.5 g, but 1 g improved chlorophyll a and b contents. Most chemical contents in roots, bulbs, and leaves were enhanced by Nano-P, whereas reductions were found in root flavonoids and leaf soluble sugars. AMF applications significantly influenced growth traits, with 20 g yielding the maximum root number, bulb weight and size, and leaf dimensions. Generally, AMF declined root chemicals while improving bulb and leaf chemicals, especially at 20 g, but 40 g rose chlorophyll b and carbohydrates. Moreover, more pronounced and variable effects were observed owing to the interaction between Nano-P and AMF than individual applications. The highest root number, root total proteins, root total carbohydrates, root soluble sugar, bulb soluble sugar, leaf soluble sugar, and root total phenols were recorded due to Nano-P at 0.5 g combined with 0 g AMF. The combination of 20 g AMF resulted in the maximum leaf length, bulb weight, and bulb size. Additionally, the highest leaf width, bulb total protein, and root total indoles were obtained at the combination of 0.5 g phosphorus and 20 g of mycorrhizae. Overall, moderate levels of Nano-P and AMF, particularly their combination at 0.5 g and 20 g, respectively, produced optimal growth and metabolic performance.