Effects of Mycorrhiza on Growth and Essential Oil Production in Selected Aromatic Plants

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is widely investigated in aromatic herbs. Several studies have shown different effects on secondary metabolites, biomass production, as well as oil quantitative and qualitative aspects. The seeking to increase the yield of plants and their oils is an interesting topic in the world of medicinal and aromatic plant production. In tune with that, this study evaluated the effectiveness of two mycorrhiza fungi, Funneliformis mosseae (syn. Glomus mosseae) and Septoglomus viscosum (syn. Glomus viscosum), on three species from Lamiaceae family: Salvia officinalis L., Origanum vulgare L., and Thymus vulgaris L. besides untreated control. It was found that the effect of symbiosis on growth was more favourable with S. viscosum than other AM fungus. The S. viscosum inoculation raised the yield of essential oil in oregano. Analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry showed that manool obtained the highest abundance in leaf essential oil of inoculated sage; thymol was the major component whatever the treatment in thyme and lower relative content of carvacrol was reported with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation in oregano. The results suggest the mycorrhizal inoculation as a promising technology in sustainable agricultural system to improve the plant productivity performance. Specific inocula are strategic to enhance the chemical profile of essential oils

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 and industrially polluted soil . 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.…”

Yield, Essential Oil and Quality Performances of Artemisia dracunculus, Hyssopus officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia as Affected by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under Organic Management

“…Increased nutrient concentration, plant biomass and essential oil content, as well as glomalin-related soil proteins were recorded in AMF-inoculated Pelargonium graveolens [6]. AMF application promoted essential oil synthesis in thyme, sage, oregano [7], basil [8,9], Artemisia annua [10] and menthol mint [11].…”

Responses of Different Panicum miliaceum L. Genotypes to Saline and Water Stress in a Marginal Mediterranean Environment

“…AMF symbiosis can exert positive effects on crop production [13][14][15][16] and improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses [17][18][19][20][21] such as drought and salinity. Possible AMF-mediated adaptation mechanisms inducing plant tolerance to saline conditions [22] include: (1) nutrient uptake improvement, especially phosphorus (P) [23][24][25]; (2) accumulation of soluble sugars into the roots [26]; (3) K + /Na + ratio adjustment [27,28]; and (4) antioxidant enzymatic activities [29].…”