INFLUENCE OF Piriformospora indica ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF Solanum melongena L. UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS

The capability of Piriformospora indica as a plant growth promoting fungi on Solanum melongena L. under greenhouse conditions is studied. The effect of phosphate on the growth of plant was studied by adding different concentrations of rock phosphate to potting mixture. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Duncan Test) was performed and increase in the root length (1. 3 times), biomass (2.5 times), phosphatase activity (2.2 times) and accumulation of phosphate was observed with the treatment involving Piriformospora indica supplemented with 15 mgkg-1 of rock phosphate compared to untreated plants. The percent colonization was found to be 80% with inoculated plants. Piriformospora indica as a biofertilizer supplemented with 15mgkg-1 rock phosphate was found to be the best for the growth of Solanum melongena L. under greenhouse conditions.