Effect of Endophytic Fungi Inoculation and Ecoenzyme on the Growth of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea (Roxb.)) Seedlings

Abstract

During the growth process, plants require nutrients and have a symbiotic relationship with beneficial microbes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of endophytic fungi inoculation and eco enzymes on the growth of Gmelina Seedlings. The endophytic fungi which were used were Ochroconis sp., Ascotricha sp., and Arthrinium malaysianum. Endophytic fungi inoculation into Gmelina Seedlings was carried out by watering fungal suspension onto the planting medium. The same method was carried out for the application of eco enzyme. The results showed that inoculation of the endophytic fungi A. malaysianum decreased the growth of Gmelina Seedling’s height and diameter. Inoculation of Ascotricha sp. decreased the growth of Gmelina Seedling height, and inoculation of Ochroconis sp. decreased the growth of Gmelina Seedling diameter. Endophytic fungi inoculation without eco enzymes could generate longer roots. As a result, shoot root ratio and seedling quality index showed that Gmelina Seedlings were ready to transplant in the field. The results of this study can be used as a reference in applying biological fertilizers to forestry plants.