根际有益微生物不同接种方法对春季塑料大棚黄瓜生长的影响

为明确根际有益微生物不同接种方法对春季塑料大棚黄瓜生长的影响,以黄瓜为试验材料,比较分析了自根苗育苗基质加菌剂、自根苗定植穴加菌剂、嫁接苗砧木基质加菌剂、嫁接苗砧木基质不加菌剂、自根苗基质不加菌剂5个处理下的黄瓜苗期植株长势、定植后植株长势、果实品质以及产量表现,以自根苗基质不加菌剂为对照。结果表明:黄瓜自根苗育苗基质接种菌剂可提高黄瓜自根苗壮苗指数(1.09)和果实可溶性糖含量(2.07%),后期植株长势和产量也表现较好,是适宜黄瓜生长的接种方法。     

Alteration of tomato fruit quality by root inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): Bacillus subtilis BEB-13bs

In this study the effect of inoculation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) roots with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on yield and fruit quality was evaluated. The control treatment was non-inoculated (CTL) and the PGPR treatment was inoculated with Bacillus subtilis BEB-lSbs (BS13). Yield per plant and marketable yield, as well as fruit weight and length were increased by the BS13 treatment when compared to the CTL treatment. Texture of red fruits was also enhanced by the BS13 treatment compared to that in the CTL treatment. These results demonstrated that PGPR have positive effects on tomato fruit quality attributes, particularly on size and texture.     

Sustainable Mitigation of Alkaline Stress in Grapevine Rootstocks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis</Emphasis> spp.) by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

Practical use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on plants under stress conditions remains elusive because most of the studies focused on merely evaluating the plant growth-promoting effects on non-stressed plants. This study focused on the effect of root inoculation of different PGPRs on the growth and physiology of grapevine rootstocks 41 B, 99?R and 140 Ru grown in soilless culture with elevated pH. The rootstocks in pots under glasshouse condition were inoculated with Agrobacterium rubi A18 and Bacillus subtilis OSU 142 bacteria in early spring. To increase the pH of growth medium, the plants were watered with 250?mL plant^?1 bicarbonate solution (840?g L^?1 NaHCO₃) four times (beginning at 3–4?cm shoot growth) with one-month interval during the vegetation. Along with the bicarbonate supplementation to growth medium, root rhizosphere pH increased from an initial value 7.76 to the final values between 8.10 and 8.26. Although the bacteria population decreased progressively, they were able to alleviate the negative effects of high pH by improving vegetative growth, leaf physiology and nutrient acquisition in many cases. The bacteria strains employed in this study can be recommended to support grapevine growth and physiology under alkaline conditions for a sustainable and environment-friendly viticulture.     

Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on young apple tree growth and fruit yield under orchard conditions

The effects of rootstocks (M9 and MM 106), cultivars (Granny Smith and Stark Spur Golden) and growth promoting rhizobacteria (OSU-142, OSU-7, BA-8 and M-3) on the tree growth and yield at apple (Malus domestica Borkh) trees were studied in a clay loam soil in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey in 2002–2004. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were capable of producing indole acetic acid (IAA) and cytokinin, but three of them (OSU-7, BA-8 and M-3) were also able to dissolve phosphate. Maximum shoot number of apple trees was found after inoculation with BA-8 followed by OSU-7 and M-3. All the inoculated PGPR strains contributed to the increase in fruit yield of apple when compared to control but it was strongly depended on rootstocks, cultivars and treatments. Plant growth responses were variable and dependent on bacterial strains, rootstock and cultivar and growth parameters evaluated of young apple trees. Newly planted apple trees inoculated with OSU-142, OSU-7, BA-8 and M-3 PGPR increased average shoot length by 59.2, 18.3, 7.0 and 14.3% relative to the control and fruit yield by 116.4, 88.2, 137.5 and 73.7%, respectively. Bacterial inoculation increased shoot diameter from 7.0 to 16.3% when compared to control. The production of plant growth hormones has been suggested as one of the mechanisms by which PGPRs stimulate young apple sapling growth. The growth-promoting effect appears to be direct, with possible involvement of the plant growth regulators indole-3-acetic acid and cytokinin. In view of environmental pollution due to excessive use of fertilizers and high costs of the production of fertilizers, PGPR strains tested in our study have potential to be used for the sustainable and environmentally benign horticultural production.     

植物根际促生菌对香蕉幼苗生长及抗枯萎病效应研究

 通过盆栽试验,研究从香蕉根际土壤分离筛选的植物根际促生菌（PGPR）芽孢杆菌PAB-1、PAB-2菌株制剂对香蕉幼苗生长、养分吸收利用和香蕉枯萎病防治的效应研究。结果表明：试验处理56 d后,施用植物根际促生菌菌剂的处理,株高、假茎围、地上部生物量、根长、根系生物量、总生物量、单株叶面积和叶绿素含量分别比对照增加18.5% ~ 28.9%、17.0% ~ 18.2%、16.8% ~ 33.9%、41.5% ~ 47.6%、65.5% ~ 69.5%、24.8% ~ 39.8%、24.0% ~ 38.3% 和 30.0% ~ 44.9%;施用PAB-2菌剂的处理,地上部氮、磷、钾、钙、镁养分吸收量分别比对照增加51.1%、46.1%、165.2%、7.4%和32.8%。接种香蕉枯萎病病原菌（FOC）的处理中,施用PGPR菌剂的香蕉叶片丙二醛含量显著低于只接种FOC4的,降低4.4% ~ 10.6%;56 d后香蕉枯萎病病情指数比只接种FOC4的降低12.5 ~ 31.3,防控效果达到18.8% ~ 46.9%。施用PGPR菌剂能显著促进香蕉苗期植株生长,提高植株养分吸收,有效防控香蕉枯萎病发生。     

Inoculation of growing media with the rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C-2 reduces unwanted stress responses in hardy ornamental species

Inoculation of growing media with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has a number of potential benefits for the production of ornamental plants. Certain rhizobacteria synthesise the enzyme ACC deaminase, which cleaves ACC, the precursor of the plant hormone ethylene. Bacterial metabolism is now known to lead to a reduction in [ACC] in the plant transpiration stream and bacteria are hypothesised to act on ACC exuded from roots. This in turn reduces the ethylene generated in plants growing in growing media inoculated with these bacteria. Here we tested if applications of the ACC deaminase containing rhizobacteria Variovorax paradoxus⁵C–²could be of benefit to ornamental growers by reducing ethylene generation in stressed plants. Ethylene is produced at levels that are inhibitory to growth and development under a number of abiotic stresses. The propagation and production of hardy ornamentals is deleteriously affected by abiotic stresses that involve ethylene signalling, including drought and physical wounding. Inoculation of growing media with V. paradoxus 5C-2 lowered ethylene emission from mature leaves of Cytisus × praecox experiencing drought stress. In addition, bacterial inoculation of the growing media resulted in significantly reduced abscission of the mature leaves under drought treatment. Beneficial effects of inoculation where also found in the wounding response of Fargesia murielae following divisional propagation and late season senescence in Aquilegia × hybrida in response to drought stress. Together these results demonstrate that V. paradoxus⁵C–²has real potential for use on ornamental nurseries in situations where plant stresses are unavoidable.     

AM 真菌和PGPR 菌剂组合对低温胁迫下黄瓜生长及防御酶活性的影响

为了筛选适于黄瓜耐低温的最佳丛枝菌根（AM）真菌和PGPR 组合菌剂,研究了不同AM 真菌、PGPR 组合菌剂对
低温胁迫下黄瓜生长及防御酶活性的影响。结果表明低温胁迫下,单接种AM 真菌或是单接种PGPR 的处理,其黄瓜生长量
及SOD、POD 和CAT 活性均高于不接种对照,而MDA 含量则显著低于不接种对照。AM 真菌接种处理中以接种地表球囊霉
（Glomus versiforme）处理的黄瓜生长量较大、防御酶活性较高、细胞膜受伤害较小;PGPR 接种处理中以接种多粘类芽孢
杆菌（Paenibacillus polymyxa）的处理黄瓜生长量较大、防御酶活性较高、细胞膜伤害较小。AM 真菌和PGPR 双接种处理中,
以地表球囊霉+ 多粘类芽孢杆菌处理生长量最大、防御酶活性最高、细胞膜伤害最轻。可以考虑在今后温室黄瓜种植中添加
该组合菌剂促进黄瓜生长,提高植株耐冷性。     

Effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) on yield,growth and nutrient contents of organically grown strawberry

The effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the fruit yield, growth and nutrient element content of strawberry cv. Fern were investigated under organic growing conditions between 2006 and 2008. The experimental plot was a completely randomized design with 3 replicates. Three PGPB strains (Pseudomonas BA-8, Bacillus OSU-142 and Bacillus M-3) were used alone or in combination as bio-fertilizer agent in the experiment. Data through 3 years showed that the use of PGPB significantly increased fruit yield, plant growth and leaf P and Zn contents. Root inoculation of M3 and floral and foliar spraying of OSU-142 and BA-8 bacteria stimulated plant growth resulting in significant yield increases. M3 + BA-8, BA-8 + OSU-142, M3, M3 + OSU-142 and BA-8 applications increased cumulative yield by 33.2%, 18.4%, 18.2%, 15.3% and 10.5%, respectively. Number of fruits per plant significantly increased by the applications of M3 + BA-8 (91.73) and M3 (81.58) compared with the control (68.66). In addition, P and Zn contents of strawberry leaves with bacterial inoculation significantly increased under organic growing conditions. Available P contents in soil were increased from 0.35 kg P₂O₅/da at the beginning of the study to 2.00, 1.97 and 1.82 kg P₂O₅/da by M3 + OSU-142, M3 + BA-8 and M3 + BA-8 + OSU-142 applications, respectively. Overall, the results of this study suggest that root inoculation of Bacillus M3 alone or in combination with spraying Bacillus OSU-142 or Pseudomonas BA-8 have the potential to increase the yield, growth and nutrition content of strawberry plant under organic growing conditions.     

Changes in root morphology accompanying mycorrhizal alleviation of phosphorus deficiency in micropropagated Annona cherimola Mill. plants

The effect of the mycorrhizal inoculation on survival rate, growth, nutrient uptake and root morphology during the acclimatization period and plant establishment of micropropagated juvenile or adult cherimoya plants (Annona cherimola Mill.) was determined. Although mycorrhizal colonization did not improve the survival rate of plants, which was already high in non-inoculated plants, it had a positive effect on plant development (shoot length, leaf number, leaf area and fresh and dry weights). Mycorrhizal juvenile plants tripled the macronutrients and increased by four the micronutrient uptake, and mycorrhizal adult plants increased by two phosphorus and all micronutrients, with copper uptake increased five times. Moreover, mycorrhizal colonization changed the root morphology of adult plants increasing three-fold the total number of roots, doubling the number of first-order laterals and increasing second-order laterals by four. Total root length was also increased three-fold, adventitious root length was almost doubled, first-order laterals tripled and second-order roots length increased four-fold. The effect of mycorrhizal colonization seems to be stronger or different in juvenile than in adult plants, suggesting that ontogenic stage is an important factor determining mycorrhizal effect and the plant performance during the acclimatization period.     

Vine growth and nitrogen metabolism of ‘Fujiminori’ grapevines in response to root restriction

Two-year-old ‘Fujiminori’ grapevines (Vitis Venifera × V. Labrasca) planted in plastic pots (10 L) were used to evaluate vine growth and nitrogen metabolism in response to root restriction. Results show that root restriction reduced shoot growth and photosynthetic rate, but promoted root growth in vines. NO₃⁻-N concentration in all plant parts, and total N concentrations in brown roots and new leaves were decreased by root restriction, and chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations in mature leaves were also reduced. Nitrate and nitrite reductase activities in brown roots and mature leaves were significantly reduced in root-restricted vines. The results suggest that the reduction of nitrate and nitrite reductase activities caused the inhibition of nitrogen assimilation, and this might be an important reason for root restriction inhibiting shoot growth.     

Review Article:Root development in horticultural plants grown under abiotic stress conditions – a review

Summary

Roots usually suffer greater exposure to multiple abiotic stresses than shoots. Therefore, the root system can be as affected, or even more affected, than the aerial parts of a plant by such stresses. Despite this, the influence of abiotic stresses on root development has been considerably less studied than on shoots because of limited accessibility for root observations. This work reviews the recent scientific literature on root development and the performance of root systems in horticultural plants growing under abiotic stresses such as drought, waterlogging, salinity, extreme temperature, low illumination, nutrient deficiency or excess, heavy metals, elevated atmospheric CO₂, and mechanical restrictions. Changes in the shoot:root ratio are often observed when plants are subjected to various stresses. Thus, a redistribution of metabolites from shoots to roots is frequently observed under drought, salt, or sub-optimal temperature stress, as well as during some nutrient deficiencies, or elevated levels of atmospheric CO₂. Conversely, reductions in solar radiation or excess nutrient usually cause an increased shoot:root ratio. Plants subjected to increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, or to low-moisture regimes, may develop a more extensive root system; however, the other stresses reviewed here commonly inhibit root growth, and cause significant modifications to the architecture of the root system, often giving rise to more branched root systems with shorter roots. Colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can also induce changes in the root system of the host plant that may improve its resistance to several abiotic stresses. A wide variety of hormones and biochemical processes are involved in the regulation of root growth under abiotic stress. Essential regulatory functions have been attributed to abscisic acid, ethylene, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species.     

Root damage affects nitrogen uptake and growth of young Fuji/M.26 apple trees

Summary

Effects of root damage during the transplant process on growth and nitrogen (N) uptake were studied with one-year-old bench-grafted Malus domestica Borkh ‘Fuji’ on M.26 rootstock apple nursery plants. Plants were potted after grafting and grown outside for one season. At the end of the season uniform trees were selected and randomly divided into four groups. One group of plants were moved into a 2°C cold room with soil and container intact (IR Treatment). Plants in other groups were removed from pots and stored as bareroot in the same cold room for three months. In the spring, bareroot plants were either: (1) transplanted with about 10% of the root system damaged during transplant (TP Treatment and Control-CK); or (2) root pruned by 25% (by volume) prior to transplant (RP treatment). Five trees from each treatment received 1 g of ¹⁵NH₄¹⁵NO₃ at 12, 41 and 76 d after repotting. Control (CK) trees received no N. Trees were harvested 10 d after each N application, and plant growth and total N and ¹⁵N content of different tissues were determined. Root pruning reduced plant total biomass and root biomass at the first two harvests, but the plants from the RP treatment had highest total plant biomass and root biomass at the third harvest. There was no significant difference in the new stem and leaf growth among IR, RP and CK treatments at harvests but the TP treatment reduced new shoot biomass. Plants with intact roots (IR) had the higher total N content while control plants (CK) had the lowest. Root pruning reduced ¹⁵N uptake rate at the first two harvests but promoted it at the third harvest. Our results suggest that plant growth and nutrient uptake was suppressed by root pruning/damage during transplanting only in the early season, and the negative effects on growth and N uptake were offset later in the season by compensative root regeneration.     

Effects of AMF inoculation on growth of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seedlings and on soil structures in mycorrhizosphere

We aimed to investigate the effects of inoculating Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seedlings with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) by examining the root colonization, plant nutrition uptake, growth characteristics, and soil aggregation of P. ginseng seedlings inoculated at the time of transplantation. At 16 weeks, the AMF spore density per 30 g of fresh mycorrhizosphere in seedlings inoculated with AMF (AMF+ seedlings) was 256.8 and that in seedlings not inoculated with AMF (AMF− seedlings) was 186.3, respectively. The colonization rate of AMF in the lateral roots of AMF+ seedlings was approximately 19% higher than that in the lateral roots of AMF− seedlings. The patterns of AMF colonization in ginseng roots were similar to those of the Paris-type mycorrhizal association. Plant growth characteristics, such as plant height, root length, leaf area, number of lateral roots, fresh weight of shoots and roots, and chlorophyll content, were significantly enhanced in AMF+ seedlings compared to AMF− seedlings. The macronutrient content (P, K, and Ca) and micronutrient content (Cu, Fe, and Zn) of both shoots and roots were also significantly higher in AMF+ seedlings compared to AMF− seedlings. Furthermore, glomalin content and soil aggregation were significantly enhanced in AMF inoculated areas. Our results indicate that AMF inoculation may enhance the growth of ginseng seedlings by improving the uptake of mineral nutrients and the soil structure in mycorrhizosphere.     

Morphology,yield and quality of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) roots and its cultivation economics as influenced by tillage depth and plant population density

Summary

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal; Solanaceae) is being cultivated around the world mainly for its root which has rejuvenative properties. Field experiments during 1999–2001 under semi-arid tropical conditions of Hyderabad, India studied the effect of tillage depths (15 and 30 cm) and plant population densities (20, 40, 60 and 80 plants m^–2) on root morphology, yield and quality and cultivation economics of ashwagandha. Preparatory tillage to 30 cm depth in combination with a density of 60 plants m^–2 gave the highest root yield of 1.2 t ha^–1 which was 50% higher than that following 15 cm tillage depth and the same density. This is attributed to the favourable effect of the former treatment leading to 33, 37 and 21% increases in plant height, number of branches per plant and shoot biomass yield, respectively. Further, this treatment produced most (68%) best quality root pieces. Main root length, length of lateral roots and diameter of lateral roots were significantly increased, while the diameter of main root and the number of laterals decreased. Furthermore, increase in plant density from 20–80 plants m^–2 increased production of best quality roots from 42% to 59% under shallow tillage and from 53% to 71% of root yield under deep tillage. The implications of change in root morphology are discussed in the light of production of different grades of roots, their market preferences and economics. Deep tillage was equally advantageous for seed production, but plant population density for maximum seed yield (211 kg ha^–1) was lower at 40 than at 60 plants m^–2 for maximum root yield. Maximum gross and net returns and benefit-cost ratio occurred following the highest root yield.     

Nutrient solution effects on the development and yield of Anthurium andreanum Lind. in tropical soilless conditions

The fertilization of anthurium grown in soilless culture in tropical countries is often empirically based. The methods used generally lead the grower to overestimate plant needs and to apply excessive quantities of nutrients. Mineral elements, and thus money, are wasted and there is a risk of pollution of groundwater and watercourses. In order to improve our knowledge of plant requirements, we measured, over 2 1/2 years, the growth and yield of anthurium plants receiving nutrient solutions with different total nitrogen, potassium and calcium concentrations and different NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻ ratios. Mineral analyses of plant parts, of nutrient, leachate and substrate solutions and of the solid substrate were carried out throughout plant development. Plants receiving 4.5 mmol N/l and 1.6 mmol K/l in the nutrient solution had significantly slower growth and lower yield compared to those receiving 8.9 mmol N/l and 3.2 mmol K/l. For these latter N and K concentrations, a N–NH₄⁺/N–NO₃⁻ ratio of 0.37 and a calcium concentration of 1.15 mmol/l gave better plant growth, development and yield than a ratio of 0.24 and a calcium concentration of 2.25 mmol/l. Applying the nutrient solution containing 8.9 mmol N/l and 3.2 mmol K/l with a N–NH₄⁺/N–NO₃⁻ ratio of 0.37 resulted in a shorter vegetative period and more and larger flower production. The calculated mineral balances of the crop showed that more than 60% of the supplied nutrients were lost in the leachate. Suitable nutrient solutions are proposed in order to match plant absorption at different crop growth stages. The volume of nutrient solution supplied can be reduced to limit the amount of leachate, but as water demand is high, there must be at least 30% of leaching to avoid salt accumulation in the substrate. Adjusting the nutrient solution volume and composition to match plant requirements is the first step for flower yield improvement, fertilizer efficiency and reduction of pollution.     

Nitrate uptake kinetics of grapevine under root restriction

To examine the effect of root restriction on the nitrate uptake and the nitrate transport system activity, 2-year old “Fenghou” grapevines (Vitis Vinifera × V. Labrasca) were planted in pots with volume 2 L and 12 L served as root restriction and the control, respectively. The pots were filled with perlite and watered with rainwater and nutrient solution. Vine growth and kinetics of nitrate uptake in vine roots were evaluated. The results showed that root restriction significantly inhibited the shoots and roots growth, enhanced the nitrate uptake rate, decreased the kinetics parameter K_m value and increased V_max value, that is to say, root restriction depressed the affinity of nitrate high-affinity transport system (HATS) and improved the nitrate uptake rates of both high (HATS) and low-affinity transport system (LATS). However, root restriction significantly decreased the amount of net nitrate uptake, which led to the low nitrate concentration in leaves and roots.     

负水头供不同营养液对温室樱桃番茄生长和产量的影响

采用负水头灌溉装置,通过调节装置的供水吸力值来持续稳定地控制栽培基质的湿度,供给不同浓度磷酸二氢钾（KH₂PO₄）营养液配方进行樱桃番茄基质栽培试验,研究营养液中不同磷酸二氢钾浓度对樱桃番茄株高、茎粗、产量、水肥利用效率和根系活力的影响。结果表明：在负水头供水控水技术条件下,适当提高营养液中磷酸二氢钾浓度,有利于增加樱桃番茄株高、茎粗,效果显著;同时可以提高果实产量、水分利用效率和N、K利用效率以及根系活力。负水头供给营养液樱桃番茄栽培生产中,2.5 S处理即340 mg•L^-1的KH₂PO₄浓度可作为推荐用量。     

Phytophthora nicotianae transmission and growth of potted kalanchoe in two recirculating subirrigation systems

Recirculating subirrigation systems are frequently exposed to the risk of plant pathogens transmission, which may deteriorate the growth and quality of the plants. The transmission of Phytophthora nicotianae was examined using Kalanchoe blossfeldiana cv. New Alter in two recirculating subirrigation systems, a nutrient-flow wick culture (NFW) system and an ebb and flow (EBB) system. When the nutrient solution was infested, the pathogen was recovered from roots in both subirrigation systems. However, foliar blights and browning of roots appeared 4 and 7 weeks, respectively, after inoculation in the EBB system. Only a little discoloration appeared in the NFW system. The fresh and dry weights were lower in the EBB system than in the NFW system. When growing medium was inoculated, the pathogen was unable to be isolated from the plants in the NFW system. However, disease symptoms appeared in the EBB system 4 weeks after inoculation, and the pathogen was observed in the basal leaves and roots. Similar to the infested nutrient solution, the plant growth in the EBB system was inhibited. These results suggested that when the nutrient solution was infested, pathogen transmission could occur in plants in both systems, although differences existed with regard to disease symptoms and the time it took for symptoms to appear. However, we observed that when growing medium was inoculated the pathogen was not transmitted to adjacent plants in the NFW system using wick.     

Effects of Gibberellic Acid and Temperature on the Growth of Young Seedlings of Syringa Vulgaris L.

The application of gibberellic acid (0, 5, 20 and 80 µg) to seedlings of Syringa vulgaris L. about two weeks after germination increased significantly the total length, the length of internodes and the dry weight (d.w.) of shoots and the net assimilation rate. GA₃ also had a small but significant positive effect on the number of pairs of leaves, especially at high temperatures; it increased the girth, but this effect was not significant.

GA₃ reduced significantly the d.w. of roots and leaves but did not affect the leaf/root ratio. GA₃ had no effect on the total plant d.w. or the relative growth rate.

The effect of GA₃ on shoot growth was dependent on temperature and on the stage of growth. One and two weeks after its application it had the maximum relative effect at high temperatures (21–24 °C) but at the end of the experiment (8.5 weeks) the maximum effect was reached at 12 °C; it decreased with increasing temperature and was not significant at 24 °C. By this stage there were, however, no statistical interactions between temperature and GA₃ for total length and for d.w. of shoots, roots, leaves and of the whole plant.

Increasing temperatures over the range 12–24 °C resulted in increases in the following characteristics: the number of pairs of leaves; length of internodes, diameter and total length of the shoot; the d.w. of shoots, roots, leaves and of the whole plant; the d.w. ratios of leaves/roots and shoots/roots; and the relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. High temperatures reduced the root/whole plant dry weight ratio. The effect of temperature on the number of pairs of leaves was linear, and results at alternating temperatures (24°/18° and 21°/15 °C, 8 hr/16 hr) did not deviate significantly from values expected on the basis of mean daily temperature.     

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation on root system architecture of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings

Plant root system architecture is essential characteristics in relation to nutrient acquisition by root system from soil volume. Many environmental factors can affect the establishment of root system architecture, e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We inoculated the trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings with four AM fungal species in rhizoboxes, with non-inoculated seedlings as control. Using the WinRHIZO^® image analysis system, the root system architecture of seedlings was characterized. Results indicated that AM colonization did not affect the tap root length, the average root diameter, the basal root growth angle in spite that four AM fungal species exerted differential influence on the plant growth. Contrastingly, AM colonization significantly reduced the total root length, the root volume, the root surface area, but promoted the formation of lateral roots of high order. In addition, AM colonization induced more fine roots and less coarse roots. To our knowledge, it is the first report on the influence of AM fungi on the distribution of root diameter size classes. The mechanisms and implication of AM fungi on root system architecture is discussed.