Experiment code 21.3.3.24
Experiment Title Evaluation of roots for Mass multiplication of AM (Arbuscular mycorrhiza) fungi using Aeroponic systems
Research Type Departmental Research
Experiment Background Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) previously known as Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM), belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota. AM fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs and depend on sugar and fatty acid supply on host plant, while plants benefit from improved mineral nutrition, especially with phosphate & potash, better water retention and biotic, as well as abiotic stress tolerance. An innovative soilless growth technique is provided by aeroponic systems, in which plant roots are suspended in the air and fed nutrient-rich mist. By doing away with the requirement for a growing medium, this technology improves on the idea of hydroponics while enabling effective nutrient delivery and root oxygenation. A viable method for promoting AMF colonization and growth on plants is aeroponics, which maximizes the symbiotic advantages for better plant growth and health. Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) fungi enhance plant growth through several mechanisms. They improve nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, by extending the plant's root network. AM fungi also promote synergistic interactions with beneficial soil microorganisms, increasing resistance to pathogens and enhancing drought tolerance. Additionally, they produce growth-promoting substances and stimulate the growth of beneficial microbes. The fungi contribute to better soil structure by secreting hyphal polysaccharides, which bind and aggregate soil particles, improving soil stability and fertility.
Experiment Group Plant Protection
Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Department (263)Plant Pathology, NMCA, Navsari
BudgetHead (303/12131/00)303/01/REG/00035
Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of different crop species for the mass multiplication of AM fungi in Aeroponic systems.
To develop efficient and cost-effective technology for the mass production of AM using aeroponic.

Season Not season specific
Location Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Location Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Location Department (263)Plant Pathology, NMCA, Navsari
Plot No NA
PI Name (NAU-EMP-2016-000265)MITAL ISHVARBHAI PATEL
PI Email mitalpatel278@nau.in
PI Mobile 9727716287
Year of Approval 2025
Commencement Year 2025
Completion Year 2028
Design of Experiment

NA

Crop Spacing (cm x cm)

NA

Gross Plot (m x m) NA
Net Plot (m x m) NA
Total Experiment Area (m2) NA
Plot History Last Three Year

NA

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report

NA

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Layout Plan

NA

Layout Plan Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Treatment

Tr. No.

Treatment 

T1

Rice

T2

Maize

T3

Wheat

T4

Nagli

T5

Spinach

T6

Tomato

T7

Cowpea

T8

Brinjal

T9

Carrot

T10

Beet root

Treatment Attachment Attachment Not Available!
(NAU-EMP-2016-000265) MITAL ISHVARBHAI PATEL mitalpatel278@nau.in 9727716287 11-03-2026
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(NAU-EMP-2015-000325) SHIVANGI SUNILKUMAR KANSARA shivangi.kansara@nau.in 9687545952 11/03/2026
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(NAU-EMP-2008-000246) LALIT CHANCHALMAL MAHATMA mahatmalalit@nau.in 9998002503 11/03/2026
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(NAU-EMP-2008-000378) PRIYA JOHN pjohn@nau.in 9726214050 11/03/2026
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(NAU-EMP-1995-000237) KALUBHAI BALUBHAI RAKHOLIYA rakholiyakb@nau.in 9426213756 11/03/2026
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