Aspects of mycorrhizal colonization in adaptation of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) grown on industrially polluted soil

Abstract

The current study reveals the effects of mycorrhization on heavy metal uptake and accumulation, antioxidant potential, and essential oil composition of Origanum majorana L., grown on soil polluted with industrial Cd and Pb. Two strains of Claroideoglomus claroideum (EEZ 54 and EEZ 55) were isolated from soil that is naturally rich in metals. EEZ 35 (Funneliformis mosseae) was isolated from a place with industrial contamination. The percentage of mycorrhizal colonization with the EEZ 54 strain was higher than those of the other strains; there was no significant difference between EEZ 55 and EEZ 35. The highest value of the total identified essential oils was observed in plants inoculated with EEZ 35, where Pb accumulated in the roots. Mycorrhizal colonization led to a change in the content of the main compounds of marjoram essential oil. The EEZ 54 and EEZ 55 strains, isolated from areas with naturally high levels of metals, significantly reduced Pb accumulation in marjoram shoots and roots as compared with nonmycorrhizal plants. Antioxidant activity in marjoram aerial parts increased as a result of inoculation with EEZ 54 and EEZ 35 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi strains due to the elevated levels of phenolic compounds.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Growth and Polyphenol Profile of Marjoram, Lemon Balm, and Marigold

“…There are contradictory data in the literature about how AM symbiosis influences the polyphenol content in the aerial parts of medicinal plants. Hristozkova et al 35 Glomus caledonium increased the rosmarinic acid content in the shoots of basil, while the others in this aspect remained ineffective 24 . In another study, similarly to the above mentioned, the inoculation with G. intraradices had no significant effect on polyphenolic content and profile of the leaves of basil, but increased the total anthocyanin concentration 44 .…”

“…In the terms of mycorrhizal status, marjoram, lemon balm and marigold belong to herbs forming symbiotic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Earlier investigations also indicated that these plant species are colonized by a wide range of AMF [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] . Our results show that mycorrhization was significantly influenced by plant species.…”

“…Despite the high variation in root colonization parameters, in general, the same robust tendency in the mycorrhizal status of these three plants is presented by the literature. Thus the colonization level is the lowest of marigold (22-59%) 34,37,40 , while lemon balm (12-100%) 36,39,40 and marjoram (24-97%) 35,[38][39][40] can be characterized with high AMF colonization affinity.…”

New Tricks for Old Guys: Recent Developments in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applications and Exploitation of Selected Species from the Lamiaceae Family

“…To improve plant productivity performance, the mycorrhizal inoculation is a promising technology in sustainable agricultural systems already investigated also in aromatic herbs and recently, some interesting data were published on normal soils [199,200] and industrially polluted soil. [201] Heavy metal contaminated soils due to industrial activities are a major environmental problem that can reduce both the productivity of plants and the safety of plant products. Phytoremediation promoted by aromatic plants could be a promising method for removal of heavy metals from soil due their capability in terms of phytoextraction of metals with a negligible transfer of them to EOs.…”

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as Buffer for Heavy Metals Phytoextraction by <i>Cucurbita maxima</i> Duch. Grown on Crude Oil Contaminated Soil

“…Schneider et al [40] also investigated the role of mycorrhizal fungi on plant diversity and bioremediation in areas polluted with Pb observed a noticeable reduction in Pb uptake hence, subsequently recommending the use of the fungi for bioremediation techniques such as biostabilization. Similarly, Hristozkova et al [41] studied the effects of mycorrhization on the removal of Cd and Pb from a contaminated soil; the authors examined the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on the oil composition of Origanum majorana, as well as the antioxidant activity and the uptake and buildup of heavy metals by plants; they reported decreased uptake of Cd and Pb. Galli et al [42] reported reduction differences in Cu uptake among mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Zea mays.…”