Effect of agricultural management practices on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundance in low-input cropping systems of southern Africa: a case study from Zimbabwe

Previous research, mostly in temperate agricultural systems, has shown that management practices such as fallow period, tillage, crop rotation, and phosphorus (P) fertilizer applications can influence the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), but relatively little is known about their effect in smallholder farmers’ fields in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we evaluated the effect of four subsistence crops that form associations with AMF, moderate P fertilization, tillage, and fallow period on the subsequent AMF abundance on three contrasting low fertility soils in south-western Zimbabwe. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundance was estimated based on early mycorrhizal colonization of maize (Zea mays L.) or lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) following the various treatments. The previously grown crop significantly affected AMF abundance (p < 0.001). It was highest after lablab followed by pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), maize, and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and there were significant positive correlations between AMF abundance and aboveground biomass of pigeonpea, lablab, and maize. Contrary to much previous research, P fertilization, fallowing, and tillage did not significantly decrease AMF abundance. In smallholder farmers’ fields in the semi-arid tropics of sub-Saharan Africa, therefore, growing vigorous mycorrhizal plants prior to the dry season could be more important than minimizing P fertilizer applications, fallow periods, and tillage to maintain or increase AMF abundance.     

Influences of a root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, and two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Acaulospora mellea and Glomus clarum on coffee (Coffea arabica L.)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae, two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Acaulospora mellea and Glomus clarum, and timing of inoculation on the growth and nutrition of a nematode-susceptible Arabica coffee cultivar. The late AM inoculation (added simultaneously with nematodes) did not enhance coffee tolerance to P. coffeae. In the presence of P. coffeae, late-mycorrhizal plants were P deficient during the entire experiment and their foliar P concentration remained as low as that of non-mycorrhizal plants. After 7.5 months, nematodes decreased AM colonization of late-mycorrhizal plants by half and their biomass was only 20–30% that of the controls. In contrast, early AM inoculation (4 months before nematode inoculation) with either AM species improved the tolerance of coffee to P. coffeae. Root colonization by AM was not significantly reduced by P. coffeae. Despite higher densities of nematodes, root lesions were less numerous and more localized in early AM inoculated plants than in those of non-mycorrhizal plants. In the presence of P. coffeae, early AM-inoculated plants remained P sufficient and their biomass was still 75–80% that of their nematode-free controls. This study shows that in soils with low P levels, enhanced tolerance to P. coffeae seems limited to mycorrhizal coffee plants with well established AM symbiosis and improved P status. Received: 11 March 1997     

The application of an organic amendment modifies the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities colonizing native seedlings grown in a heavy-metal-polluted soil

A mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate whether communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with roots of native (Piptatherum miliaceum, Retama sphaerocarpa, Psoralea bituminosa, Coronilla juncea, and Anthyllis cytisoides) and for comparison (Lolium perenne) seedlings in a heavy-metal-contaminated, semiarid soil were affected by the application of composted sugar beet waste. We also investigated whether there were relation between AMF diversity and metal concentration (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and total P in shoot as well as some soil parameters (total organic carbon and total N) when the SB waste was added to the soil. We analyzed a portion of approximately 795 base pairs of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene by nested PCR, cloning, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Twelve different AMF sequence types were distinguished: seven of these belonged to Glomus group A, one to Glomus group B, one to Diversispora, one to Archaeospora, and two to Paraglomus. The AM fungal populations colonizing roots in a heavy-metal-polluted soil were quite dependent on the host plant, the highest diversity values being obtained in authochtonous plants recognized as metallophytes, such as P. bituminosa, and in an allochtonous, invasive species (L. perenne). No significant correlation was found between AMF diversity and plant metal concentration and soil parameters. Excepting P. bituminosa, when sugar beet waste was added to soil, the populations of AM fungi in roots increased and the shoot metal concentrations decreased in all host plant species studied. Therefore, the addition of sugar beet waste can be considered a good strategy for the remediation and/or phytostabilization of mine tailing sites.     

不同种植密度下丛枝菌根真菌对玉米磷吸收的影响

【目的】利用土著丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AM真菌)与作物形成互惠互利的共生关系提高作物对土壤磷的利用效率是解决农业生产中磷供需矛盾的主要途径之一,本研究在大田玉米不同种植密度条件下,研究AM真菌对玉米根系的侵染及磷吸收作用,为揭示集约化玉米高效获取磷的机理提供理论依据。【方法】以大田作物玉米的两种种植密度(5104 plants/hm2和9104 plants/hm2)体系为研究对象,在田间原位埋设PVC管装置,通过测定菌丝生长室中的菌丝密度和有效磷耗竭来确定不同种植密度体系条件下AM真菌对玉米磷吸收的作用。【结果】相对于低密度种植群体,高密度群体显著降低了玉米拔节期土壤有效磷的耗竭量,同时增加了玉米地上部的磷含量,即磷吸收效率,增幅达20%; 在玉米拔节期,增加种植密度使根际的根外菌丝生物量(菌丝密度)降低了4%,而非根际土壤中的根外菌丝生物量(菌丝密度)增加了37%; 高密度玉米种植密度群体中AM真菌的根外菌丝对土壤有效磷耗竭的贡献增加了22%。【结论】集约化玉米生产中土著AM真菌依然帮助植株从土壤中吸收有效磷; 高密度体系下玉米对磷的吸收更加依赖于AM真菌。高密度种植增加AM真菌对玉米的侵染、 根外菌丝量和对土壤有效磷的吸收。     

Influence of organic manures on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. in relation to tissue nutrients and soluble carbohydrate in roots under field conditions

 The interaction of plant nutrients, root-soluble carbohydrate availability and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was examined in field grown cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Plant nutrients were altered through application of farmyard (cow dung, sheep manure) and green (sunnhemp, pongamia) manures. Organic amendments increased plant growth, AM fungal colonization, soluble carbohydrate concentration in roots, and spore numbers. Percent total colonization, root length with vesicles and spore numbers in soil were negatively correlated with the concentration of soluble carbohydrates within roots, which in turn were related to tissue nutrient levels. However, a positive correlation existed between soluble carbohydrate concentrations within root and root length with arbuscules. But the mycorrhizal parameters were related more to plant nutrient level and their ratios, indicating that tissue nutrients have another level of control in addition to their effect on soluble carbohydrate concentration in roots. Increased AM colonization due to organic amendment significantly reduced nutrient imbalances. The strong relationship between colonization and root-soluble carbohydrate concentration levels validates the basic assumption that mycorrhizal fungi act as a 'strong sink' for photosynthates. This study indicates that the host influences AM colonization by regulating the formation of AM fungal structures and spore formation via availability of root carbohydrates. Received: 15 January 1999     

Effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization at nursery-stage on growth and nutrition in wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.) after transplanting under different soil fertility and water regimes

In order to analyze the effectiveness of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) at the nursery stage on the growth and nutrient concentration of wetland rice after transplanting, the experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions using two types of soil, namely (i) sterilized paddy soil (PS) and (ii) sterilized paddy soil diluted with sterilized Andosol subsoil 5 times (DS) under two water regimes, (i) flooded conditions changed to non-flooded conditions 30 d before harvest (F-NF) and (ii) continuous flooding (CF) up to harvest. Treatments consisting of mycorrhizal inoculation (+AMF) and non-inoculation ( — AMF) were applied only at the nursery stage when the seedlings were produced under dry nursery (60% moisture of maximum water holding capacity) conditions.

Seedlings grown in PS showed a significantly higher biomass yield and nutrient concentrations than in DS. At 90 and 105 d after transplanting, the mycorrhizal plants showed a higher biomass than non-mycorrhizal plants in PS whereas there were no differences in DS except for roots. Mycorrhizal colonization at the transplanting stage was higher in DS than in PS. However, after transplanting opposite results were obtained, the level in PS being relatively higher than in DS. Grain yield and P concentration of unhulled grain and shoots in PS were higher in the +AMF treatments than in the -AMF treatments under both water regimes. Contents of micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) were higher in the +AMF plants than in the -AMF ones at all growth stages up to maturation irrespective of soil fertility and water regimes. These results suggest that AMF inoculation at the nursery-stage was beneficial for wetland rice after transplanting to flooded conditions in terms of growth promotion and increase of nutrient concentrations.     

Responses of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth, Tamarindus indica L. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a phosphorus-deficient sandy soil

Responses of three multipurpose fruit tree species, Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth, Tamarindus indica L. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam., to inoculation with five species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Acaulospora spinosa Walker and Trappe, Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe, Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith, Glomus aggregatum Schenck and Smith emend. Koske and Glomus manihotis Howeler, Sieverding and Schenck, differed markedly with respect to functional compatibility. This was measured as root colonization, mycorrhizal dependence (MD) and phosphorus concentrations in shoots of plants. Root colonization of fruit trees by A. spinosa, G. aggregatum and G. manihotis was high and tree growth increased significantly as a consequence. G. intraradices also colonized well, but provided little growth benefit. G. mosseae colonized poorly and did not stimulate plant growth. The MD of P. biglobosa and T. indica was similar, reaching no more than 36%, while Z. mauritiana showed the highest MD values, reaching a maximum of 78%. The Z. mauritiana A. spinosa combination was the most responsive with respect to total biomass production; phosphorus (P) absorption probably contributed to this more than the absorption of sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium. The density and length of root hairs were positively correlated with MD, suggesting that root hairs are not indicative of MD. Received: 20 January 1997     

Changes in microbial communities and carbohydrate profiles induced by the mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices) in rhizosphere of olive trees (Olea europaea L.)

The influence of inoculation of olive trees with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus (G) intraradices, on microbial communities and sugar concentrations, were examined in rhizosphere of olive trees (Olea europaea L.). Analyses of phospholipid and neutral lipid fatty acids (PLFA and NLFA, respectively) were then used to detect changes in microbial community structure in response to inoculation of plantlets with G. intraradices.Microscopic observations studies revealed that the extraradical mycelium of the fungus showed formation of branched absorbing structures (BAS) in rhizosphere of olive tree. Root colonization with the AM fungi G. intraradices induced significant changes in the bacterial community structure of olive tree rhizosphere compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. The largest proportional increase was found for the fatty acid 10Me18:0, which indicated an increase in the number of actinomycetes in mycorrhizal rhizosphere soil, whereas the PLFAs i15:0, a15:0, i16:0, 16:1ω7 and cy17:0 which were used as indicators of bacteria decreased in mycorrhizal treatment compared to non-mycorrhizal control treatment. A highest concentration of glucose and trehalose and a lowest concentration of fructose, galactose, sucrose, raffinose and mannitol were detected in mycorrhizal rhizosphere soil. This mycorrhizal effect on rhizosphere communities may be a consequence of changes in characteristics in the environment close to mycorrhizal roots.     

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphorus supply on the growth and nutrient uptake of Kandelia obovata (Sheue,Liu & Yong) seedlings in autoclaved soil

This study evaluated the interactive effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and exogenous phosphorus supply on soil phosphotases, plant growth, and nutrient uptake of Kandelia obovata (Sheue, Liu & Yong). We aimed to explore the ecophysiological function of AMF in mangrove wetland ecosystems, and to clarify the possible survival mechanism of mangrove species against nutrient deficiency. K. obovata seedlings with or without AMF inoculation (mixed mangrove AMF), were cultivated for six months in autoclaved sediment medium which was supplemented with KH₂PO₄ (0, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg kg−¹). Then the plant growth, nitrogen and phosphorus content, root vitality, AMF colonization and soil phosphatase activity were analyzed. The inoculated AMF successfully infected K. obovata roots, developed intercellular hyphae, arbuscular (Arum-type), and vesicle structures. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization ranged from 9.04 to 24.48%, with the highest value observed under 30 and 60 mg kg⁻¹ P treatments. Soil P supply, in the form of KH₂PO₄, significantly promoted the height and biomass of K. obovata, enhanced root vitality and P uptake, while partially inhibiting soil acid (ACP) and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) activities. Without enhancing plant height, the biomass, root vitality and P uptake were further increased when inoculated with AMF, and the reduction on ACP and ALP activities were alleviated. Phosphorus supply resulted in the decrease of leaf N–P ratio in K. obovata, and AMF inoculation strengthened the reduction, thus alleviating P limitation in plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation and adequate P supply (30 mg kg⁻¹ KH₂PO₄) enhanced root vitality, maintained soil ACP and ALP activities, increased plant N and P uptake, and resulted in greater biomass of K. obovata. Mutualistic symbiosis with AMF could explain the survival strategies of mangrove plants under a stressed environment (waterlogging and nutrient limitation) from a new perspective.     

Specific flavonoids as interconnecting signals in the tripartite symbiosis formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Bradyrhizobium japonicum (Kirchner) Jordan and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Many legume plants benefit from the tripartite symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rhizobia. Beneficial effects for the plant have been assumed to rely on increased P supply through the mycorrhizas. Recently, we demonstrated that P does not regulate the establishment of the tripartite symbiosis. Flavonoids appear to play a role as early signals for both rhizobia and AMF. Four soybean lines known to express different concentrations of the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein in the seed were used to test three hypotheses: (i) The establishment of the tripartite symbiosis is not dependent of a nutrient mediated effect; (ii) There is a positive correlation between seed isoflavone concentrations of different soybean lines and the progress of the tripartite symbiosis; (iii) Specific flavonoids control the establishment of the tripartite symbiosis in that a change in flavonoid root accumulation resulting from the development of one microbial partner can stimulate colonization of soybean roots by the other. Disturbed versus undisturbed soil treatments were produced to vary the potential for indigenous AMF colonization of soybean. In contrast, the potential for Bradyrhizobium was kept identical in both soil disturbance treatments. The uptake of P and Zn and the concentration of flavonoids in mycorrhizal soybean roots at 10 d after emergence were analysed either separately of Bradyrhizobium or in context of the tripartite symbiosis. Zinc nutrition did not differ between AMF treatments which supports the first hypothesis. The concentration of daidzein was at least four times greater in the root than in the seed reaching 3958±249 μg g⁻¹ dry across soybean lines. Coumestrol, which was absent in the seed, was synthesized to reach 2154±64 μg g⁻¹ dry. Conversely, the concentration of genistein was approximately three times smaller in the root that in the seed (301±15 μg g⁻¹ dry), while glycitein and formononetin were never detected. The establishment of the tripartite symbiosis was identical across soybean lines which does not support the second hypothesis. Concentrations of flavonoids were significantly greater in roots under disturbed soil, for which both symbioses were not as developed as in plants from undisturbed soil. This clearly supports the third hypothesis. This research provides the first data linking the function of different flavonoids to the establishment of the tripartite symbiosis, and suggests that these compounds are produced and released into the rhizosphere as a function of the colonization process.     

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grown in rare earth elements of mine tailings

Rare earth elements (REE) of mine tailings have caused various ecological and environmental problems. Revegetation is one of the most cost-effective ways to overcome these problems, but it is difficult for plants to survive in polluted tailings. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can provide biotic and abiotic stress tolerance to its host plant and has widely adopted for the revegetation of degraded ecosystems. However, little is known about whether AMF plays role in facilitating the revegetation of REE of mine tailings. The objective was to investigate the uptake of nutrients and REE when plants are inoculated with AMF. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted on the effects of Glomus mosseae and Glomus versiforme for the growth, nutritional status, and uptake of REE and heavy metals by maize (Zea mays L.) or sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) grown in REE of mine tailings. The results indicated that symbiotic associations were successfully established between AMF and the two plant species. G. versiforme was more effective than G. mosseae at promoting plant growth by significantly increasing the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and decreasing carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry. The shoot and root dry weights of the two plant species were increased by 211–387% with G. versiforme inoculation. Maize and sorghum exhibited significant differences in the REE concentrations in response to the colonization by AMF. The shoot and root lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), and neodymium (Nd) concentrations of the maize inoculated with G. versiforme were decreased by approximately 70%, whereas those in the roots of sorghum were increased by approximately 70%. G. mosseae only significantly decreased the La, Ce, Pr, and Nd concentrations in the maize shoots. Inoculation with AMF also significantly decreased the concentration of certain heavy metals in the shoots and roots of maize and sorghum. These findings indicate that AMF can alleviate the effects of REE and heavy metal toxicity on plants and enhance the ability of plants to adapt to the composite adversity of REE in mine tailings.     

Shifting saffron (Crocus sativus L.) culture from traditional farmland to controlled environment (greenhouse) condition to avoid the negative impact of climate changes and increase its productivity

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a geophyte herbaceous perennial medicinal plant, whose flower’s three style arms plus stigmas are used as the most expensive spice in the world. Saffron is exclusively propagated in a vegetative manner through clonal corm multiplication. Saffron stigma?+?style and daughter corms (also termed as progenies or propagules) multiplication and growth greatly depend on edaphoclimatic conditions (such as soil characteristics, precipitation, geographical location, and most importantly temperature), agricultural managements (such as fertilization, irrigation, planting density, date and depth, and most importantly mother corm size), as well as harvest and postharvest processing (drying, packaging, and storing). Cultivation of saffron under controlled environment provides an opportunity to produce saffron and escape from the negative impact of climate change, importantly increased temperature. Since most studies have focused on farmlands/orchards, this article aimed to provide the up-to-date knowledge on saffron culture to optimize corm and stigma?+?style yield and quality in open field and specifically in soil-less and soil-based greenhouse conditions.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediated uptake of nutrient elements by Chinese milk vetch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Astragalus sinicus</Emphasis> L.) grown in lanthanum spiked soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of mycorrhizal colonization by Gigaspora margarita, Glomus intraradices, and Acaulospora laevis on nutrient uptake of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn by Astragalus sinicus L. in soils spiked with lanthanum at five rates (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg⁻¹). Lanthanum application significantly decreased the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Fe in shoots and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in roots. Mycorrhizal treatments markedly improved uptake of nutrients, and these results are important since nutrient deficiency often occurs in contaminated sites.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect the growth,nutrient uptake and water status of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in two types of coal mine spoils under drought stress

Drought stress greatly affects the growth and development of plants in coal mine spoils located in the Inner Mongolia grassland ecosystem. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase plant tolerance to drought. However, little is known regarding the contribution of AMF to plants that are grown in different types of coal mine spoils under drought stress. To evaluate the mycorrhizal effects on the drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in weathered (S1) and spontaneously combusted (S2) coal mine spoils, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices on the growth, nutrient uptake, carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry and water status of maize under well-watered, moderate and severe drought stress conditions. The results indicated that drought stress increased mycorrhizal colonization and decreased plant dry weights, nutrient contents, leaf moisture percentage of fresh weight (LMP), water use efficiency (WUE) and rehydration rate. A high level of AMF colonization ranging from 65 to 90% was observed, and the mean root colonization rates in S1 were lower than those in S2. In both substrates, inoculation with R. intraradices significantly improved the plant growth, P contents, LMP and WUE and decreased the C:P and N:P ratios of plants under drought stress. In addition, maize grown in S1 and S2 exhibited different wilting properties in response to AMF inoculation, and plant rehydration after drought stress occurred faster in mycorrhizal plants. The results suggested that inoculation with R. intraradices played a more positive role in improving the drought stress resistance of plants grown in S2 than those grown in S1. AMF inoculation has a beneficial effect on plant tolerance to drought and effectively facilitates the development of plants in different coal mine spoils.     

Using arbuscular mycorrhiza to alleviate the stress of soil compaction on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth

Since large areas of agricultural fields in the world become compacted every year, much effort has been made to reduce the adverse effects of soil compaction on plant growth. Mechanical methods to control soil compaction may be laborious and expensive; however, biological methods such as using arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) may be more useful, economically and environmentally. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effects of soil compaction on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, and (2) to evaluate if using AM of different origin can reduce the stressful effects of soil compaction on wheat growth. Unsterilized and sterilized soils, different levels of compaction and three species of arbuscular mycorrhiza were applied in four replicates. The experiments were conducted in the Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined. The AM increased wheat growth in both soils at different levels of soil compaction in both experiments. For root, shoot (P=0.1) and grain (P=0.05) dry weights increases were significant. AM enhanced root growth more than shoot growth under compaction (AM resulted in significant increase in root/shoot ratios, P=0.1). Due to its unique characteristics, AM may reduce the stressful effects of soil compaction on wheat growth, though its effectiveness may decrease with increasing compaction.     

Accumulation of specific flavonoids in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as a function of the early tripartite symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (Kirchner) Jordan

This study is the first report assessing the effect of soil inoculation on the signalling interaction of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soybean plants throughout the early stages of colonisation that lead to the tripartite symbiosis. In a study using soil disturbance to produce contrasting indigenous AMF treatments, the flavonoids daidzein, genistein and coumestrol were identified as possible signals for regulating the establishment of the tripartite symbiosis. However, it was unclear whether soil disturbance induced changes in flavonoid root accumulation other than through changing the potential for AMF colonization. In this study, soil treatments comprising all possible combinations of AMF and B. japonicum were established to test whether (1) modifications in root flavonoid accumulation depend on the potential for AMF colonization, and (2) synthesis and accumulation of flavonoids in the roots change over time as a function of the early plant-microbial interactions that lead to the tripartite symbiosis. The study was comprised of two phases. First, maize was grown over 3-week periods to promote the development of the AM fungus Glomus clarum. Second, the interaction between soybean, G. clarum and B. japonicum was evaluated at 6, 10, 14 and 40 days after plant emergence. Root colonization by G. clarum had a positive effect on nodulation 14 days after emergence, producing, 30% more nodules which were 40% heavier than those on roots solely inoculated with B. japonicum. The tripartite symbiosis resulted in 23% more N₂ being fixed than did the simpler symbiosis between soybean and B. japonicum. The presence of both symbionts changed accumulation of flavonoids in roots. Daidzein and coumestrol increased with plant growth. However, development of the tripartite symbiosis caused a decrease in coumestrol; accumulation of daidzein, the most abundant flavonoid, was reduced in the presence of AMF.     

Organic and inorganic soil phosphates and acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere of 80-year-old Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] trees

Summary Inorganic and organic phosphates (P) were measured in bulk soil, rhizosphere soil and mycorrhizal rhizoplane soil of Norway spruce. Various methods of P extraction and estimation were compared. In addition, acid phosphatase activity and mycelial hyphae length were determined. In soil solutions from various locations, about 50% (range 35%–65%) of the total P was present as organic P. Compared to the bulk soil, the concentrations of readily hydrolysable organic P were lower in the rhizosphere soil and in the rhizoplane soil; this difference was particularly marked in the humus layer. In contrast, the concentrations of inorganic P either remained unaffected or increased. A 2- to 2.5-fold increase was found in the activity of acid phosphatase in the rhizoplane soil in comparison to the bulk soil. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.83^***) between phosphatase activity and the length of mycelial hyphae. The results stress the role of organic P and of acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere in the P uptake by mycorrhizal roots of spruce trees grown on acid soils.