Positive growth responses of the medicinal plants Spilanthes calva and Withania somnifera to inoculation by Piriformospora indica in a field trial

The medicinal plants Spilanthes calva and Withania somnifera were inoculate d with Piriformospora indica, a plant growth-promoting root endophyte, in n urseries and subsequently transferred to the field. A significant increase in growth and yield of both plant species was recorded relative to uninocul ated controls. Shoot and root length, biomass, basal stem, leaf area, overa ll size, number of inflorescences and flowers and seed production were all enhanced in the presence of the fungus. Net primary productivity was also h igher than in control plants. The results clearly indicate the commercial p otential of P. indica for large-scale cultivation of S. calva and W. somnif era.