Synergistic Effects of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Root-promoting Peptides on Root Development, Crop Growth and Yield Enhancement in Different Crops

Abstract

Tomato, brinjal, and okra are economically significant vegetable crops widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for their nutritional content and market demand. Their genetic diversity, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, and importance in crop improvement make them vital subjects for agricultural research. MahaBooster Plus is an innovative plant growth enhancer that combines mycorrhizal fungi with 12 Lateral Root Promoting Peptides (LRPPs) to improve nutrient and water uptake by supporting root development and key growth stages. This study evaluated the effects of MahaBooster Plus on crop yield and related agronomic traits in tomato, brinjal and okra. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that MahaBooster Plus significantly increased root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, achieving up to 80% colonization in tomato and brinjal compared to 50% with a commercial standard. Spore density was also notably higher, with 10 spores/g in tomato and 23 spores/g in brinjal. In tomato, MahaBooster Plus treatment resulted in substantial improvements in fresh root weight, root volume and root density, indicating enhanced nutrient and water absorption potential. Field trial in okra further validated these findings with MahaBooster Plus applied at 4 kg/acre resulted in increased number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight per plant and total fruit yield. Similarly, in brinjal the same dosage led to significant increases in the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant and fruit yield. These results highlight the potential of MahaBooster Plus to enhance root architecture, yield and overall plant health across Tomato, brinjal and Okra.