Biochemical Response and Nutrient Uptake of Two Arbuscular Mycorrhiza-Inoculated Chamomile Varieties Under Different Water Potentials

Abstract

BackgroundWater-deficit stress is one of the most important sources of damage to crop production worldwide. Adopting appropriate varieties using soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhiza(AM) can significantly reduce theadverseeffectsofwater deficiency.This study is aimed to evaluate the role of Funneliformismosseaeon nutrients uptake and some physiological traits of two chamomile varieties namely Bodgold (Bod) and Soroksári(Sor) under water-deficit stress. The pot experiment was performed in a hydroponic system within a completely randomized design considering four replications. Three levels of water-deficit stress (PEG 6000) were taken into account at water potentials of -0.4 and -0.8MPa. The second factor was AM inoculation.ResultsWater-deficit stress significantly reduced the uptake of macro-nutrients (N, P, and K) and micro-nutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in the shoots and roots. Moreover, the level of osmolytes (total soluble sugars and proline) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the shoots of both varieties increased under water-deficit stress. In the case of Sor variety, the level of these compounds was more satisfactory. AM improved plant nutrition uptake and osmolyte contents while enhancing antioxidant enzymes and reducing theadverseeffectsofwater-deficit stress. Under water-deficit stress, the growth and total dry weight improved upon AM inoculation. ConclusionsIn general, inoculation of chamomile with AM balanced the uptake of nutrients increased the level of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and hence improved plant characteristics under water-deficit stress in both varieties, however, it was more effective in reducing stress damages in Sor variety.