Differential effects of two species of arbuscular mycorrhiza on the growth and water relations of Spartium junceum and Anthyllis cytisoides

Abstract

Anthyllis cytisoides and Spartium junceum are two leguminous shrubs native of semiarid mediterranean areas, often used in revegetation strategies. Mycorrhization of both shrubs with Glomus intraradices BEG 72 enhanced both plants growth and water relations under drought stress. Root colonization achieved by Glomus mosseae was lower than the level achieved by G. intraradices in both plants studied, and the effects of the inoculation with G. mosseae BEG 116 were less positive than those observed for G. intraradices. Before the onset of the drought stress period the specific leaf weight (SLW) of S. junceum plants inoculated with G. mosseae was lower than the SLW of control and G. intraradices plants. At the end of the stress period, after 15 days of withholding water, the relative water content of S. junceum twigs was lower for G. mosseae inoculated plants and higher for G. intraradices inoculated plants, compared to control, non-inoculated plants. At the end of the recovery period, 15 days after the reestablishment of watering, there were no differences between inoculation treatments on the parameters related to the plants water status. Anthyllis cytisoides plants inoculated with G. intraradices had lower leaf osmotic potential, more leaves, and higher chlorophyll content (measured as SPAD values). Anthyllis cytisoides plants responded to drought defoliating, but defoliation was lower for the plants inoculated with G. intraradices. At the end of the drought, the leaf osmotic potential was lowest for G. intraradices plants as was the relative water content (RWC) whilst Glomus mosseae inoculated plants had the highest RWC, SLW and osmotic potential values. At the end of the recovery period, all plants recuperated the osmotic potential values measured at the pre-stress period. In our experiments, G. intraradices BEG 72 was found to be superior to G. mosseae BEG 116, this difference could be attributed to the origin of the fungus, native from a Mediterranean area, compared to G. mosseae (BEG116) isolated from the UK.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Physiological Performance of Catalpa bungei C.A.Mey. under Drought Stress

“…In contrast, Hernández-Ortega et al [76] reported that Melilotus albus inoculated with the Glomus Zac-19 AMF-inoculum had lower SLA on diesel-contaminated substrate. Busquets et al [77] found that the SLW of Anthyllis cytisoides inoculated with G. mosseae was significantly higher than that of the non-inoculated plants following drought. This may be due to an improved cell wall resistance and leaf thickening (typical xerophytic characteristics), as a result of the symbiotic relationships [73,77].…”

“…Busquets et al [77] found that the SLW of Anthyllis cytisoides inoculated with G. mosseae was significantly higher than that of the non-inoculated plants following drought. This may be due to an improved cell wall resistance and leaf thickening (typical xerophytic characteristics), as a result of the symbiotic relationships [73,77].…”

Influence of plant characteristics on the successful establishment and development in degraded forest ecosystems

“…In case of S. junceum twigs were taken (Busquets et al, 2010) to obtain the relative water content (RWC). They excised the twigs pre-dawn, placed in plastic bags and allowed to reach full turgor by dipping in distilled water for 24 h in darkness at 4°C.…”

“…For example, Velasco-Conde et al ( 2012) and Harms and McGregor 1962) measured RWC in pine using needles. In case of S. junceum twigs were taken to obtain the relative water content (Busquets et al, 2010;Yamasaki and Dillenburg, 1999) following the same procedures as above.…”

“…Busquets et al (2010) studied on the differential effects of two species of arbuscular mycorrhizae on the growth and water relations of Spartium junceum and Anthyllis cytisoides.Anthyllis cytisoides and S. junceum are two leguminous shrubs native of semiarid mediterranean areas, often used in revegetation strategies. Mycorrhization of both shrubs with G. intraradices BEG 72 enhanced both plants growth and water relations under drought stress.…”