Abstract
Excessive application of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals can cause large imbalances in soils and agricultural ecosystems. In this context, mycorrhizae represent a viable solution to mitigate these negative effects. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are vital symbionts due to the multiple benefits they bring to both crops and the entire agroecosystem. The main purpose of this study was to observe whether differentiated fertilization has an influence on mycorrhizal colonization patterns in corn. Observed frequencies and intensities of colonization varied widely between phenophases and treatments, with 20% variation for frequency and 14% for intensity, which implies the constant development of both partners during the vegetation period. Arbuscules and vesicles were present in all development stages, but the overall mean was lower than 4% for arbuscules and 1% for vesicles in the analyzed root fragments. Intensity was highly correlated with frequency of colonization compared with arbuscules, where the coefficient was 0.54, and vesicles, with a coefficient of 0.16. Both PCA and NMDS provided good graphical solutions, with a high resolution due to explained variance and good spatial position of vectors. The use of mycorrhizal maps permits the full exploration of colonization patterns and fungal strategy, and the assessment of mycorrhizae-free areas. For the untreated variant, the strategy was oriented toward a longitudinal colonization followed by an irregular development of hyphae with multiple non-colonized areas. Treatment acts to stimulate the appearance of mycorrhizal spots, which further develop radially.
Highlights
The main domain of food production in the world is agriculture
In order to achieve the proposed objectives and to understand mycorrhizal colonization potential, we propose two hypotheses: (i) mycorrhizal colonization shows differences induced by fertilization or by the phenophase of plant development, and a divergence of colonization during the vegetation period; (ii) mycorrhizae show maximum colonization in a specific phenophase and have different colonization strategies during the vegetation period
A more detailed analysis shows an increase of 100 observations for the treated variant compared to the control in the frequency range 10–20%. These supplementary observations are divided in the range 40–100% in the case of the control variant
Summary
The main domain of food production in the world is agriculture. It is able to provide food and many resources to the ever-growing world population. Agriculture improves the quality of the environment [1], efficiently disposes of non-renewable resources, provides satisfaction for human needs, and supports economic continuity [2]. In recent years, anthropogenic activities have influenced the increase of certain environmental problems [3]. To the excessive use of agricultural land, it is necessary to apply efficient fertilizer techniques to increase crop productivity [6]. Conventional production is based on the use of chemical fertilizers [7], which can increase crop yields, but can degrade soils, leading to certain losses at the agroecosystem level [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
