Effect of AMF propagule dosage forms on the growth and production of Amaranthus tricolor L

Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L) contains vitamins (A, B2,
B6, K, and folate), proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fiber, iron,
magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium. Red spinach also contain
anthocyanins (red pigments) that function as antioxidants to prevent free
radical oxidation. The use of biofertilizers can give benefits to the soil and
plants. Mycorrhizal fungi can be used as a type of biological fertilizer. The
application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in powder dosage forms
can help the growth of plants. However, this dosage form has disadvantages,
so a study is needed to determine the effectiveness of AMF in various dosage
forms. This study applied the Latin Square Design (LSD), with three
treatments of AMF propagule dosage forms, namely: tablets, sachets, and
powders, without AMF application as a comparison/control. The results
showed that the effectiveness of AMF propagule in dosage form sachets
provided a reasonable infection rate with fertile plant growth and harvest
index value was not significantly different from other dosage forms, due to
the attack of plant-disturbing organisms before harvest. So, further research
is needed to determine the effect of the AMF propagule dosage form in
physiological review without invasion of plant-disturbing organisms.