Effect of PEG Stress and Mycorrhiza on Growth and Mineral Uptake of Barley and Soybean

Two cultivars of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), Giza-119 and Sahrawy , and one of soybean ( Glycine max L.] Merr.), Clark were subjected to osmotic stress caused by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 and inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungus; Cenococcum graniforme. PEG had stimulated growth of each barley cultivar, but not soybean. Inoculation resulted in increased shoot fresh and dry weights of soybean, either with or without PEG, and those of PEG-stressed barley. PEG displayed a synergistic effect with mycorrhizal fungus in barley by enhancing the uptake of N, Na, K, Ca and Mg by shoots.