Symbiotic Association Between Talinum Triangulare and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhances Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the Federal University of Western Para, Brazil, has explored the symbiotic association between Talinum triangulare, a non-conventional leafy food plant, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). The study aimed to investigate the effects of AMF on the growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity of T. triangulare. The research found that the treatment with AMF resulted in significant increases in plant growth, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant compounds compared to the treatment without AMF.

Key Takeaways:

  • The treatment with AMF resulted in increases of 105%, 215%, 83%, and 16% for the number of leaves, leaf area, number of shoots, and stem diameter, respectively, compared to the treatment without AMF.
  • Plants with AMF had fresh and dry weights 159% and 212% higher, respectively, than those without AMF.
  • The leaf area of plants with AMF was twice as large as that of the treatment without AMF.
  • The presence of AMF significantly increased the accumulation of antioxidant compounds, including total phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, and increased antioxidant capacity by the FRAP and DPPH assays.
  • Plants with AMF had chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation 2.5 times higher, and foliar phosphorus accumulated four times more with AMF.
  • Protein, soluble sugar, and amino acid accumulation also increased in plants with AMF.
  • The research concluded that AMF symbiosis significantly enhances T. triangulare growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity.

Statistics:

  • The treatment with AMF resulted in a 105% increase in the number of leaves.
  • The treatment with AMF resulted in a 215% increase in the leaf area.
  • The treatment with AMF resulted in an 83% increase in the number of shoots.
  • The treatment with AMF resulted in a 16% increase in stem diameter.
  • Plants with AMF had fresh weights 159% higher than those without AMF.
  • Plants with AMF had dry weights 212% higher than those without AMF.
  • The leaf area of plants with AMF was twice as large as that of the treatment without AMF.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings from Federal University of Western Para in the Area of Sustainable Food and Agriculture Described (Enhancing the Growth and Nutritional Quality of talinum Triangulare Through Symbiosis With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. August 29, 2025; p 258.
  • Enhancing the Growth and Nutritional Quality of talinum Triangulare Through Symbiosis With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Implications for Sustainable Food. Journal of Food Safety, 2025;45(4).
  • Journal of Food Safety can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.