The enhancement of root colonisation of legumes by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi through the inoculation of the legume seed with commercial yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

Nodule number, dry weight of shoot and root biomass of legumes (Leucaena leucocephala, Glycine max, Cajanus cajan, Phaseolus mungo, Phaseolus aureus, Vigna unguiculata) were enhanced by inoculation with live yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Root infection (native VAM) and the formation of vesicles, arbuscules and spores were also increased with yeast inoculation. The increase in the parameters varied with legume and the type of yeast culture. Perceptable differences in the effectiveness of yeast culture (live and dead), were also observed.