Abstract
We previously reported on the strong symbiosis of AMF species (Rhizophagus irregularis CD1) with the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) which is grown worldwide. In current study, it was thus investigated in farmland to determine the biological control effect of AMF on phosphorus acquisition and related gene expression regulation, plant growth and development, and a series of agronomic traits associated with yield and fiber quality in cotton. When AMF and cotton were symbiotic, the expression of the specific phosphate transporter family genes and P concentration in the cotton biomass were significantly enhanced. The photosynthesis, growth, boll number per plant and the maturity of the fiber were increased through the symbiosis between cotton and AMF. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant increase in yield for inoculated plots compared with that from the non inoculated controls, with an increase percentage of 28.54%. These findings clearly demonstrate here the benefits of AMF-based inoculation on phosphorus acquisition, growth, seed cotton yield and fiber quality in cotton. Further improvement of these beneficial inoculants on crops will help increase farmers’ income all over the world both now and in the future.
Highlights
Cotton is an important natural fiber and economic crop that provides substantial benefits to humans and is an important raw material worldwide
The ratio was significantly different between the +Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) plots and −AMF plots, and the presence of +AMF plots increased the rate of emergence within a certain time frame compared to the −AMF plots (Table 1)
The effect on seedling growth was significantly different between the +AMF and −AMF plots 40 days after sowing, and the functional leaf ratio of width/ length (Rwl) was further analyzed, which is related to photosynthesis and seedling growth intensity[32]
Summary
Cotton is an important natural fiber and economic crop that provides substantial benefits to humans and is an important raw material worldwide. While a large number of recent studies have confirmed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the growth, yield, quality, and phosphorus acquisition in plants[1,2,3,4,5], the effect of AMF on these economic and agronomic traits in cotton is largely unknown. A large group of agricultural crops such as wheat, rice, corn, potato, tomato, onion, pulses, cotton, and soybean can form symbiotic relationships with AMF. These crops are all important in the world. Some www.nature.com/scientificreports domesticated AMF are available worldwide, and their use in agricultural fields as mycorrhiza-based inoculants is increasing[16]. We paid specific attention to the growth, seed cotton yield, fiber quality and phosphorus acquisition of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
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