Tropical Plant Research

Efficient phosphate (P) solubilising strains of Penicillium such as Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium glabrum and Penicillium sp. isolated from endophytic sources was applied as biofertiliser and it enhanced the productivity of Piper longum, a RET Medicinal plant which is one of the endangered species of Odisha state. Periodical study of the growth performance of Piper longum plants inoculated with different Penicillium sp. under pot culture conditions showed outstanding impact of the fungal strains on plant growth.Maximum height was recorded in plants treated with Penicillium oxalicum strains (76.75±22.9) cm after 120 days as compared to control plants with (57.4±16.3) cm.In control plants, spike development was observed after 180 days.Maturation of the fruits occurred in Penicillium glabrum and Penicillium sp. at 150 days and all the spikes obtained were of the male type and maturation of female spikes occurred after 180 days. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) were higher in plants inoculated with Penicillium sp. and recorded as 12.3 mg.g-1.day-1 and 4.49 g.cm-2.day-1 respectively.