<![CDATA[To achieve meat self-sufficiency by 2026, increasing the production of forage the basal feed for ruminants is crucial. Pakchong grass, a promising forage crop, suffers from reduced productivity due to water limitations and climate change induced temperature rises and heatwaves. Mycorrhizae, through symbiosis with plant roots, have the potential to assist plants in coping with heat stress. This study aimed to examine the interaction between mycorrhizae and Pakchong grass and its impact on nutrient utilization and productivity. A completely randomized design was employed with four treatments: P0 (control), P1 (10 g mycorrhizae), P2 (20 g mycorrhizae), and P3 (30 g mycorrhizae). Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, followed by DMRT if significant differences were found. The cultivation period lasted 40 days, followed by a 7-day drought stress treatment. Observed parameters included NPK levels in the growing medium, mycorrhizal infection rates, biomass productivity, plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, dry matter (DM) content, and nutrient uptake efficiency. The results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation at various levels had a significant effect (P<0.05) on AMF infection in roots and Pakchong plant height, but no significant effect (P>0.05) on the number of leaves, number of tillers, DM content, or nutrient uptake efficiency. These findings indicate that while mycorrhizae can form a successful symbiosis with Pakchong roots, their effectiveness in enhancing grass productivity is limited under conditions of severe heat stress.]]>
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