Abstract

This study was done during the 2024 and 2025 seasons at the Date Palm Orchard of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, to test the individual and interactive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and organic liquid fertilizer on vegetative growth and mineral nutrient accumulation of in vitro–derived date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) offshoots cv. Barhi.  Three levels of AMF inoculation (0, 10, and 20 g offshoot?¹) and three concentrations of organic fertilizer (0-, 1.5-, and 3-mL L?¹) were applied in a factorial experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Growth parameters, including leaflet number, offshoot length, leaf area, and root number, were assessed, along with leaf mineral contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sodium (N). The results presented that AMF inoculation significantly enhanced all vegetative and chemical traits, with the highest level (20 g) producing superior performance across both seasons. On the same side, organic fertilization at 1.5- and 3-mL L?¹ significantly improved growth attributes and nutrient accumulation compared with the control. Notably, the interaction between high AMF inoculation and organic fertilizer application exhibited a pronounced synergistic effect, resulting in the highest values for most studied parameters. The interaction of AMF and organic fertilizer significantly increased nutrient uptake efficiency, promoted root development, and improved overall plant vigor. These improvements are likely associated with enhanced rhizosphere activity, increased nutrient bioavailability, and improved physiological performance.  In conclusion, integrating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with organic fertilization represents a sustainable and effective strategy to develop the growth and nutritional status of tissue-cultured date palm offshoots, thereby accelerating their transition to maturity and potentially reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.