Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote growth and enhance the accumulation of bioactive compounds in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been known to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. In this study, we investigated the effects of Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, and their co-inoculation on the growth and biochemical composition of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. The findings demonstrated that the inoculation of AMF significantly enhanced shoot and root length, shoot and root dry weight, number of fruits per plant, as well as concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants in tomato plants. Both individual and co-inoculation of AMF also significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in tomato plants. Our findings suggest that AMF can be used as a potential biofertilizer to enhance the growth and biochemical composition of tomato plants.