Effect of Mycorrhizal Inoculation at Different Salinity Levels on Root Colonization, Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Different Grape Rootstocks (<i>Vitis</i> spp)

Abstract

A pot culture experiment was conducted during 2004-2006 at the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, to investigate effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus fasciculatum) inoculation at different salinity levels (0.52, 1.90, 4.33, 6.23 and 7.94 dSm-1) on root colonization, growth and chlorophyll content of four grape rootstocks (Salt Creek, Dogridge, St. George and 1613). The extent of AM response on root colonization, growth and chlorophyll content varied with rootstock species, and with the level of salinity. AM fungus inoculated plants showed significantly higher root colonization percentage, root volume, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, total dry weight, and chlorophyll content. Exposure to salinity stress resulted in decreased root colonization, chlorophyll content and growth of shoots on all rootstocks, but reduction in growth was greatest on St. George.

A 3-year application of different mycorrhiza-based plant biostimulants distinctively modulates photosynthetic performance, leaf metabolism, and fruit quality in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

“…However, it is difficult to generalize the outcomes of AMF application since different responses have been reported, likely depending on grape genotype and fungal species applied ( Linderman and Davis, 2001 ; Aguín et al., 2004 ; Krishna et al., 2005 ; Bruisson et al., 2016 ; Torres et al., 2016 ; Torres et al., 2018b ). In addition to the effects on root volume, length, and morphology, AMF inoculation can increase the number of leaves per vine, leaf area, and total dry weight ( Aguín et al., 2004 ; Derbew et al., 2007 ). Indeed, the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation induces a shift in plant photosynthetic performance and relative water content (RWC), with a positive impact on physiological and nutritional status ( Krishna et al., 2005 ).…”