Resumen

CUENCA, Gisela et al. Arbuscular mycorrhizae as an alternative for a sustainable agriculture in tropical areas. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.1, pp.23-29. ISSN 0378-1844.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are ecologically mutualistic associations between Glomeromycota Phyllum fungi and the majority of plants, and could be very useful to achieve a sustainable agriculture. Among the benefits obtained are: increase in absorption of nutrients that are sparingly mobile in soils, such as P, Cu and Zn; better resistance to pathogens; water shortage endurance; and contribution to the formation of soil structure. Preliminary results of a project on commercial production of AM inocula to be used in acidic soils are presented, and the potential of AM for their application in tropical areas, particularly in Venezuela, is discussed. Some crucial steps in the AM-inoculum production are shown, as well as advantages of their application for lettuce and cassava production. Inocula of Glomus manihotis, Acaulospora lacunosa, Entrophospora colombiana, Scutellospora fulgida and S. heterogama were produced, and their effect tested both in the greenhouse and field. Higher values of lettuce dry weight were obtained with G. manihotis and S. fulgida, while S. heterogama led to poor results. With cassava the highest tuber production was obtained with G. manihotis, and with A. lacunosa it was indistinguishable from controls. Results indicate that although mycorrhizal symbiosis lacks taxonomic specificity, not all the AM are equivalent. An ethical and responsible management of AM, that takes into account the ecological conditions of the crop to be inoculated, is necessary for a successful application of this technology, so as to increase crop productivity with minimal environmental damage.

Palabras clave : Agricultura ; Sustentable ; Ahorro de Fertilizantes; Fertilización ; Lechuga ; Micorrizas ; Yuca.