Arbuscular mycorrhizas improve plant growth and soil structure in trifoliate orange under salt stress

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a biostimulant enhance salt tolerance in plants, while the informations regarding AMF-induced changes in soil structure are only available to a limited degree. In this study, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were inoculated with Diversispora versiformis under 100 mM NaCl for 85 days. The salt stress considerably inhibited mycorrhizal colonization by 26%, compared with non-salt stress. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, shoot biomass, and root biomass, length, surface area, and volume in comparison to non-mycorrhizal inoculation under salt stress or non-salt stress. Mycorrhization induced significantly higher production of easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP), and total glomalin-related soil protein (T-GRSP), higher percentage of water-stable aggregates (WSAs) in 0.25–0.50, 0.50–1.00, and 1.00–2.00 mm size, and lower in 2.00–4.00 mm size, regardless of non-salt stress or salt stress. Mycorrhizal soils represented higher aggregate stability (in terms of mean weight diameter) under salt and non-salt stress, which was related with root colonization, root surface area, root volume, EE-GRSP, and T-GRSP. The better soil structure by mycorrhization provided higher leaf water potential under salt stress. It suggests that mycorrhizas had a positive contribution to improve plant growth and soil structure, thereby enhancing salt tolerance.     

Effect of peat on mycorrhizal colonization and effectiveness of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita

Abstract

The influence of the addition of Chinese peat and Canadian peat on arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, mycorrhizal effectiveness and host-plant growth was investigated in a pot experiment. Chinese peat or Canadian peat was mixed with Masa soil (weathered granite soil) at different levels (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 or 200 g kg^?1) into which an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall was inoculated, and seedlings of Miscanthus sinensis Anderess were planted. There was a significant increase in plant growth with increasing amounts of Chinese peat. The growth-promoting effect of the AMF on the host was enhanced when the addition of Chinese peat was increased from 25 to 100 g kg^?1. Root colonization and the number of spores proliferating increased with increases at low levels of Chinese peat (from 25 to 100 g kg^?1), and decreased gradually with higher Chinese peat increments. Although plant growth and root colonization with the addition of Canadian peat increased slightly, Canadian peat suppressed mycorrhizal effectiveness. In contrast to Canadian peat, the addition of Chinese peat improved considerably the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which might result in the promotion of AM formation and mycorrhizal effectiveness.     

Underground communication of root hormones by common mycorrhizal network between trifoliate orange and white clover

Common mycorrhizal network (CMN) links up several coexisting plant individuals via underground root communication for resource sharing, while it is not known whether phytohormones participate in such communication. A two-chambered rootbox separated through 37-μm mesh was used to establish the CMN by Diversispora spurca between trifoliate orange (TO) and white clover (WC). After 20 weeks of inoculation, the CMN was established, as evident from high mycorrhizal buildup under supplier (mycorrhizal inoculation) TO–target (non-mycorrhizal inoculation) WC association. This CMN was eventually responsible for the significant increase in plant biomass of these associated plants. CMN decreased root abscisic acid (ABA) level in supplier and target plants, but increased root indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level in supplier plant alone. CMN mediated significantly higher gibberellins (GAs) and zeatin riboside (ZR) concentration in roots of target plant, leaving supplier plant unaffected. Root ZR was bidirectionally transferred through the CMN. A higher root methyl jasmonate (MeJA) concentration was observed in supplier WC–target TO or supplier TO–supplier WC association, indicating an unidirectional communication from WC to TO. It suggested that except IAA, GAs, brassinosteroid (BR), and ABA, root MeJA and ZR were apparently involved in the underground communication by CMN.     

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on rhizosphere organic acid content and microbial activity of trifoliate orange under different low P conditions

ABSTRACT

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can improve plant phosphorus (P) uptake; however, information about how AM fungi affect rhizosphere organic acid and microbial activity to alleviate citrus low P stress is limited. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of AM fungi (Rhizophagus intraradices, Ri) inoculation on rhizosphere organic acid content, microbial biomass (MB) and enzyme activity of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings grown under three low P conditions. The results showed that mycorrhizal seedlings all recorded higher P concentrations, plant biomass and better root morphology with more lateral and fine roots, but lower root mass ratios, irrespective of P conditions. Mycorrhizal P absorption contribution did not differ significantly among three P conditions. Mycorrhizal seedling rhizosphere soil exhibited lower organic acid content, soil organic P content and ratio of MB-carbon (C)/MB-P, but higher MB and enzyme activity. Additionally, the main organic acids showed a negative relationship with mycorrhizal colonization rate and hyphal length; however, phosphatase and phytase activity had a significantly positive relationship with MB. Therefore, the results suggest that AM fungi inoculation may help citrus to efficiently utilize organic P source by improving microbial activity under low available P conditions.     

Effects of mycorrhizal fungi on root-hair growth and hormone levels of taproot and lateral roots in trifoliate orange under drought stress

A pot experiment was used to evaluate the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae on plant growth performance, root-hair growth, and root hormone levels in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings under well-watered (WW) and drought stress (DS). A 9-week mild DS treatment significantly reduced mycorrhizal colonization of 2nd- and 3rd-order lateral roots. Root mycorrhizal colonization was relatively higher in the 2nd- and 3rd-order lateral roots than in the taproot and the 1st-order lateral root under WW and DS. AMF seedlings exhibited significantly higher root-hair density, length (except for the taproot) and diameter in taproot and 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-order lateral roots under WW, and considerably higher root-hair density (except for 1st-order lateral root), length (except for 2nd-order lateral root) and diameter under DS. Mycorrhizal inoculation remarkably increased root abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate, and brassinosteroids (BRs) concentrations under DS, in company with the decrease in root zeatin riboside and gibberellins levels and root IAA effluxes. Root-hair traits were significantly positively correlated with root colonization and root ABA and BRs levels. It is concluded that mycorrhizal plants possessed better root-hair growth to adapt mild DS, which is associated with mycorrhizal colonization and endogenous hormone changes.     

Altered amino acid profile of arbuscular mycorrhizal maize plants under low temperature stress

We investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) on amino acid concentration and composition of maize plants under low‐temperature stress. The AM plants had higher amino acid concentrations than the non‐AM pants. The concentrations of Thr, Lys, Gly, Ala, His, and Ile of the AM plants were higher than non‐AM plants. The results show that low‐temperature stress decreased the concentrations of amino acids and altered their composition.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and rhizobacteria affect the physiology and performance of Sulla coronaria plants subjected to salt stress by mitigation of ionic imbalance

Salt stress has become a major menace to plant growth and productivity. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Rhizophagus intraradices) in combination or not with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Pseudomonas sp. (Ps) and Bacillus subtilis) on the establishment and growth of Sulla coronaria plants under saline conditions. Pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and S. coronaria seedlings were stressed with NaCl (100 mM) for 4 weeks. Plant biomass, mineral nutrition of shoots and activities of rhizosphere soil enzymes were assessed. Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth while increasing sodium accumulation and electrolyte leakage from leaves. However, inoculation with AMF, whether alone or combined with the PGPR Pseudomonas sp. alleviated the salt‐induced reduction of dry weight. Inoculation with only AMF increased shoot nutrient concentrations resulting in higher K⁺: Na⁺, Ca²⁺: Na⁺, and Ca²⁺: Mg²⁺ ratios compared to the non‐inoculated plants under saline conditions. The co‐inoculation with AMF and Pseudomonas sp. under saline conditions lowered shoot sodium accumulation, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to non‐inoculated plants and plants inoculated only with AMF. The findings strongly suggest that inoculation with AMF alone or co‐inoculation with AMF and Pseudomonas sp. can alleviate salt stress of plants likely through mitigation of NaCl‐induced ionic imbalance, thereby improving the nutrient profile.     

大豆丛枝菌根共生结构和多聚磷累积双定位方法

【目的】多聚磷是丛枝菌根内磷的主要贮存形式,定性、定量观察多聚磷对于解析菌根中磷代谢具有重要意义。随着植物体内越来越多的参与菌根真菌与寄主植物之间营养交换过程的基因被鉴定,迫切需要进一步提高根内菌根共生结构和多聚磷累积的染色和定位分析技术。【方法】本研究利用丛枝菌根真菌Glomus mosseae侵染的大豆植株,采集新鲜根样制片,一部分薄根片利用低浓度荧光染料麦胚凝集素,室温染色30 min,在波长488 nm的蓝光激发下使用荧光显微镜观察拍照;另一部分薄根片利用荧光染料4’,6-二脒基-2-苯基吲哚二盐酸盐(DAPI)进行染色,在波长405 nm紫外光激发下观察并拍照;进一步取新鲜制备的薄根片,先后用以上两种荧光染料进行染色,分别在波长405 nm和488 nm的激发光下观察并拍照,完成了菌根共生结构和多聚磷的共定位。【结果】1)使用荧光染料麦胚凝集素,大豆丛枝菌根真菌侵染结构的荧光标记活性染色法,可以清晰地检测到大豆丛枝菌根中所有的共生结构,包括丛枝,泡囊和根内菌丝等。2)在丛枝菌根真菌侵染的根中,各种共生结构都呈现出黄色荧光,为DAPI与多聚磷结合在紫外光激发下的呈色。根段中部分细胞内的蓝白色斑点为DAPI与细胞核中DNA结合的显色结果。在含有成熟丛枝结构的细胞中,也可观察到大部分丛枝呈蓝白色,主要是丛枝膜质结构的呈色。因此,利用荧光染料4’,6-二脒基-2-苯基吲哚二盐酸盐染色法定位多聚磷,能很好地区分多聚磷酸盐、DNA和膜质。3)在以上研究的基础上,通过荧光光路的切换,可以同时观察到菌根共生结构和多聚磷的共定位。处于发育阶段的整个丛枝中多聚磷累积的亮黄色清晰可见。在成熟的丛枝中,由于膜质结构发达,对累积在丛枝结构中的多聚磷的染色观察产生了一定影响,导致仅仅局部的多聚磷累积清晰可见。【结论】本研究建立的大豆菌根共生结构与多聚磷累积的双定位分析系统,能够直观观察植物与丛枝菌根真菌的养分交换,清晰地对丛枝菌根共生结构中多聚磷的累积进行定位分析,可作为从组织和细胞水平研究菌根共生体的重要技术手段。     

供硫和丛枝菌根真菌对洋葱生长和品质的影响

以珍珠岩为植物的生长基质盆栽试验,分别供给0.1、1.75和4 mmol/L三个不同硫水平的Long Ashton营养液,研究接种丛枝菌根真菌Glomus versiform对洋葱（Allium cepa L.）生长和品质的影响。结果表明,接种丛枝菌根真菌显著的改善了宿主植物的磷营养水平,促进了洋葱的生长;而硫处理对洋葱生长的影响差异不显著,但随着供硫水平的提高植株地上部全硫含量和有机硫含量显著增加。接种菌根真菌对洋葱硫营养的影响受外界供硫水平的影响,在供硫0.1 mmol/L时降低了洋葱植株的硫含量;而在供硫1.75和4 mmol/L时显著改善了洋葱的硫营养状况,宿主植物的酶解丙酮酸（enzyme produced pyruvic acid, EPY）的含量也显著增加。说明丛枝菌根真菌能够帮助宿主植物吸收外界环境中硫营养成分,改善洋葱的硫营养状况及品质。     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Acclimatization of Micropropagated Citrus

Micropropagated plantlets lack mycorrhizal symbionts and therefore present some physiological hindrances when transferred from axenic to ex vitro conditions. The purpose of the present study was to research the effects of Glomus mosseae and G. versiforme on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake of micropropagated citrus plantlets at the acclimatization stage. The two mycorrhizal fungi successfully colonized the roots of citrus plantlets after an acclimatization period of 170 days, and the mycorrhizal developments were apt to low levels. Inoculation with G. mosseae improved acclimatized growth performance; increased photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance; and stimulated the accumulations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in leaves and roots compared to the noninoculated treatment. These observations suggested that only G. mosseae was the more efficient fungus, exhibited better adaptation to transplanted conditions, and therefore is appropriate to introduce into the micropropagation protocol of citrus.     

Response of a wild-type and modern cowpea cultivars to arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation in sterilized and non-sterilized soil

Cowpea is an important crop that serves as a legume and vegetable source to many smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil fertility is a significant limitation to its production thus; inoculation with beneficial soil biota such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could improve its performance. However, plant–AMF interaction could vary based on crop cultivar hence affecting overall crop production. The present study aimed at determining the effect of AMF inoculation and soil sterilization on root colonization and growth of a wild-type and three modern cowpea cultivars grown by smallholder farmers in Kenya. Potted cowpea plants were inoculated with a commercial AMF inoculum comprising of Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus aggregatum and Glomus etunicatum and maintained in a greenhouse for 40 days. After harvesting, mycorrhizal colonization, nodule number and dry weight, root and shoot dry weights, nitrogen (N,) phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content were determined. Interestingly, the modern cultivars showed significantly (p < 0.001) higher root colonization, nodulation, shoot P and N compared to the wild-type cultivar. Moreover, a strong positive correlation between AMF root colonization and shoot P (r² = 0.73, 0.90, p < 0.001), AMF root colonization and shoot N (r² = 0.78; 0.89, p < 0.001) was observed in both sterilized and non-sterilized soil, respectively. Soil sterilization affected root colonization and growth parameters with plants grown in non-sterilized soil performing better than those grown in sterilized soil. This study provides major evidence that modern cowpea cultivars are still responsive to mycorrhizal inoculation suggesting that modern breeding programs are not deleterious AMF symbiosis.     

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.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of selected herbaceous plants under arid protected area in Tunisia

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in plants growth and soils dynamic in all most ecosystems. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the plant-AMF interactions on soil functions under arid protected area ‘Zarat-Gabès’ in Tunisia.

AMF colonization was evaluated by visual observation of AMF in fine roots of eight herbaceous plants. The level of mycorrhizal colonization varied between plants. Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata showed the highest mycorrhizal performance. The relative spore number was significantly different across rhizosphere soils. Statistical analysis showed a clearly positive correlation between the number of spores and plant-mycorrhizal intensity.

For microbiological parameters, our results showed that mycorrhizal plants improved significantly the various microbiological parameters. Rhizosphere soils of Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata presented the necessary microbial densities and microorganisms more stable compared to unplanted soil. This study allowed obtaining a new result that challenges us about the need for efficient management of natural resources in the objective of nature conservation.     

丛枝菌根真菌在农业生产中的作用与调控

AM真菌在集约化作物生产体系中的作用日益受到关注。最近10余年间有关AM真菌与植物相互作用的研究由温室、实验室模拟转向田间原位研究,在认识上取得了很大的进展。通过对相关的理论和应用基础研究结果的分析,认为菌根生物技术的应用不仅包括菌剂的生产和施用技术,而且还要包括土著AM真菌群落繁殖体数量和活性的调节技术;通过轮作和间作、少耕或者免耕、使用根际化学信号物质能够在一定程度上有效发挥土著AM真菌群落的作用;充分认识AM真菌群落的时空变化与生态功能的关系可能是今后研究的重点;此外,通过与育种家结合,培育在高肥力土壤上积极响应AM真菌的作物高产品种可能是未来提高土壤养分资源高效利用的有效途径之一。     

丛枝菌根真菌(Glomus caledonium)对铜污染土壤生物修复机理初探

利用盆栽试验,研究了丛枝菌根真菌(Glomus.caledonium)在不同程度铜污染土壤上对玉米苗期生长的影响。结果表明,即使在土壤施铜量达150mg/kg时,菌根真菌对玉米仍有近55%的侵染率;接种菌根真菌,能显著促进玉米根系的生长。菌根玉米的根系生物量和根系长度,平均较未接种处理分别提高108.4%和58.8%;接种处理的植株地上部生物量达到每盆(3株)10.58g,显著高于不施铜的非菌根玉米。这些结果表明,丛枝菌根真菌对铜污染具有较好的抗性;并且由于菌根的形成,使宿主植物明显地改善了对磷的吸收和运输,并能通过抑制土壤酸化、降低土壤可溶态铜的浓度等机制,增强宿主植物对铜污染的抗(耐)性。在150mg/kg施铜水平时,与非菌根玉米相比,菌根玉米地上部和根系铜浓度分别降低24.3%和24.1%,吸铜量分别提高了28.2%和60.0%,表明菌根植物对铜污染土壤具有一定的生物修复作用。     

铬稳定同位素在丛枝菌根蒲公英中的分馏及根外菌丝对铬的吸收

As common soil fungi that form symbioses with most terrestrial plants,arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) fungi play an important role in plant adaptation to chromium(Cr) contamination.However,little information is available on the underlying mechanisms of AM symbiosis on plant Cr resistance.In this study,dandelion(Taraxacum platypecidum Diels.) was grown with and without inoculation of the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and Cr uptake by extraradical mycelium(ERM) was investigated by a compartmented cultivation system using a Cr stable isotope tracer.The results indicated that AM symbiosis increased plant dry weights and P concentrations but decreased shoot Cr concentrations.Using the Cr stable isotope tracer technology,the work provided possible evidences of Cr uptake and transport by ERM,and confirmed the enhancement of root Cr stabilization by AM symbiosis.This study also indicated an enrichment of lighter Cr isotopes in shoots during Cr translocation from roots to shoots in mycorrhizal plants.     

丛枝菌根和根瘤菌双接种对矿区土地复垦的生态效应

通过盆栽试验研究了山西省襄垣县矿区复垦土壤中接种丛枝菌根真菌和根瘤菌对三叶草的生长状况及土壤养分的影响.结果表明,双接种丛枝菌根和根瘤菌能显著提高菌根侵染率和土壤中孢子密度,促进三叶草干物质的积累和对氮、磷元素的吸收,促进三叶草对土壤养分的活化,提高土壤养分利用率,加速矿区生态恢复.     

Responses of Lentil to Co-Inoculation with Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizobial Strains and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responses of lentil (Lens culinariscv. ‘Ziba’) to co-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and some indigenous rhizobial strains varying in phosphorus (P)-solubilizing ability in a calcareous soil with high pH and low amounts of available P and nitrogen (N). A factorial experiment with completely randomized block design was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of (1) three inoculants of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strains and a mixed rhizobial inoculant with an effective P-solubilizer strain of Mesorhizobium ciceri, (2) two AM fungal species, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices, (3) two P sources, superphosphate and phosphate rock. Four replications were prepared for each treatment and a related control. After the growth period of three months, the dry matter of shoots plus seeds, their P and N contents, and percent of root colonized by AM fungus were measured. The results showed that the effects of AM fungi, rhizobial strains, and P fertilizers were highly significant (p < 0.01) for all the characteristics studied. The rhizobial strain with P-solubilizing ability showed a more beneficial effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake than the strain without this ability, although both strains had similar effectiveness for N₂-fixation in symbiosis with lentil. Synergistic relationships were observed between AM fungi and some rhizobial strains that related to the compatible pairing of these two microsymbionts. The P-uptake efficiency was increased when P fertilizers were applied along with AM fungi and/or P-solubilizer rhizobial strains.     

Positive effects of biochar application and Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation on mycorrhizal colonization, rice seedlings and phosphorus cycling in paddy soils

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for plant growth but is often limiting in ecosystems; therefore, improving the P fertilizer use efficiency is important. Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may enhance P cycling in paddy soils that contain high content of total P but low content of available P (AP). In this study, the effects of biochar addition and Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation on the organic and inorganic P contents and phosphatase activities in paddy soils, rice seedling growth, and AMF colonization were investigated. Compared with no biochar addition, biochar addition enhanced the percentage of spore germination at day 7, hyphal length, most probable number, and mycorrhizal colonization rate of R.irregularis by 32%, 662%, 70%, and 28% on average, respectively. Biochar and R. irregularis altered soil P cycling and availability. Biochar and R. irregularis, either individually or in combination, increased soil AP content by 2%-48%. Rice seedlings treated with biochar and R. irregularis produced greater biomass, improved root morphology, and increased nutrient uptake compared with those of the control without biochar and R. irregularis. The results suggest that combined application of biochar and R. irregularis is beneficial to rice cultivation in paddy soils with high content of total P but low content of AP.