Functional Diversity of Mycorrhizal Fungi Has Differential Effects on Salinity Tolerance of <i>Acacia seyal</i> (Del.) Seedlings

Abstract

Acacia seyal is a leguminous plant that plays an important role in the ecosystem of Sahelian zone by producing gum, wood and fodder. The growth of A. seyal is subject to many constraints as salinity which can affect the development of this tree. Therefore, soil microorganisms can help A. seyal to better tolerate the effects of negative environmental stresses. The contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to the salt tolerance of A. seyal, was evaluated by testing the effects of eight different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) isolates in the performance of A. seyal seedlings subjected to different levels of salinity (0, 340 and 680 mM). The results based on growth parameters of shoot and root parts, shoot mineral N, P, K and Na content as well as survival rates and mycorrhization showed that AMF improved mineral nutrition of A. seyal seedlings during salt stress. The combination between AMF and salinity provided evidence that the efficiency of AMF isolates were variable in improving mineral nutrition and mortality rate for A. seyal seedlings related to the level of salt stress. However, the effects of inoculation were variable depending to the AMF isolate associated with seedlings and the level of salinity, suggesting that interactions between plants and AMF can be modulated by both AMF diversity and the type and level of abiotic factors. Rhizophagus intraradices was more efficient at 680 mM NaCl in plant growth and mineral uptake while Glomus deserticola did not promote a better plant development than most of the other species inoculated to seedlings.

Role of Acacia seyal on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Growth and Yield: A Case Study of Guba Lafto District, North Wollo, Ethiopia

“…Even though not significant, it was also relatively higher around the tree bole than an open area. is might be due to the microbial association and low leaching problems of base-forming cations around a tree [53]. e result agreed with Kassa et al [50] and Wolle et al [45] who reported nonsignificant effects of Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus spina-christi over EC at the arid areas of Humera and Hibru districts of Ethiopia, respectively.…”

Acacia seyal var.: Acacia fistula (Schweinf.) Oliv. Based Parkland Practice, Farmers Perception, and Management Techniques in Case of Jarsa Kebele, Guba Lafto District of Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia

“…At the same time, an abundance of Acacia seyal seeds germinated in one rainy season and has better survival potential than other species, which allows for better colonization [48]. Its association with microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is also reported to be related to its better survival potential even in harsh conditions, because associated microorganisms encourage it for fast growth of shoot and root biomass, improve nutrient taking, and promote its mycorrhizal symbionts [49]. Besides this, as farmers in southeast Ethiopia acknowledged, seed dispersal means like browsing animals, vehicles, food, and wind contributing to its colonization in large areas in a short period of time [18].…”

Senegalia senegal (synonym: Acacia senegal), its importance to sub-Saharan Africa, and its relationship with a wide range of symbiotic soil microorganisms

“…Mycorrhization facilitates the adaptation to saline conditions by helping plants procure soil nutrients, particularly magnesium, during the growth cycle (Giri and Mukerji, 2004). Nevertheless, the ability of an AMF strain to enhance plant growth and development is not directly correlated to whether or not it originates from a saline area (Cantrell and Linderman, 2001;Manga et al, 2017). Thus, the fact that plant growth promotion occurs suggests that this trait is a characteristic of the individual isolate's ecotype, and is not directly related to salt.…”