ROLE OF MYCORRHIZA IN MODULATING MICROPLASTIC EFFECTS ON PEA (PISUM SATIVUM)

Abstract

This study investigated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in modulating the effects of microplastics on the growth performance of peas (Pisum sativum). Pea plants were grown under controlled pot culture conditions with treatments including AMF inoculation, microplastic addition, combined AMF and microplastic, and a control group. Growth parameters, such as dry and fresh weights, shoot and root lengths, number of leaves, pea pods, and yield, were recorded at 15-day intervals. The results indicated that AMF inoculation significantly enhanced plant growth and yield, whereas microplastics negatively affected these parameters. However, co inoculation of AMF with microplastics mitigated some of the adverse effects of microplastics, improving growth vigor and yield compared to microplastic treatment alone. These findings highlight the potential of AMF to support sustainable agriculture by alleviating microplastic-induced stress in pea plants.