Abstract
BackgroundA better understanding of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics in trees under drought stress is critical to elucidate the mechanisms underlying forest decline and tree mortality from extended periods of drought. This study aimed to assess the contribution of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungus (Suillus variegatus) to hydraulic function and NSC in roots, stems, and leaves of Pinus tabulaeformis subjected to different water deficit intensity. We performed a continuous controlled drought pot experiment from July 10 to September 10, 2019 using P. tabulaeformis seedlings under 80, 40, and 20% of the field moisture capacity that represented the absence of non-drought, moderate drought, and severe drought stress, respectively.ResultsResults indicated that S. variegatus decreased the mortality rate and increased height, root biomass, and leaf biomass of P. tabulaeformis seedlings under moderate and severe drought stress. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates of P. tabulaeformis were significantly increased after S. variegatus inoculation. Moreover, the inoculation of S. variegatus also significantly increased the NSC concentrations of all seedling tissues, enhanced the soluble sugars content, and increased the ratios of soluble sugars to starch on all tissues under severe drought. Overall, the inoculation of S. variegatus has great potential for improving the hydraulic function, increasing the NSC storage, and improving the growth of P. tabulaeformis under severe drought.ConclusionsTherefore, the S. variegatus can be used as a potential application strain for ecological restoration on arid regions of the Loess Plateau, especially in the P. tabulaeformis woodlands.
Highlights
A better understanding of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics in trees under drought stress is critical to elucidate the mechanisms underlying forest decline and tree mortality from extended periods of drought
We investigated the fungal resources of the P. tabulaeformis forests on the Loess Plateau and found that Suillus variegatus (Swartz ex Fr.) O
The S. variegatus colonization of P. tabulaeformis At harvest, non-inoculated P. tabulaeformis seedlings did not been colonized and all inoculated seedlings been colonized by S. variegatus in their root systems
Summary
A better understanding of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics in trees under drought stress is critical to elucidate the mechanisms underlying forest decline and tree mortality from extended periods of drought. This study aimed to assess the contribution of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungus (Suillus variegatus) to hydraulic function and NSC in roots, stems, and leaves of Pinus tabulaeformis subjected to different water deficit intensity. Water deficit is one of the most important environmental stresses affecting plants productivity and reducing grain yield around the world [1,2,3,4]. The Loess Plateau is the most severe drought and soil erosion area in the world [10]. In the past 30 years, Pinus tabulaeformis, which can form a symbiotic relationship with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, has been planted on a large area on the Loess Plateau to maintain soil and water and to improve the ecological environment [11,12,13]. It is urgent to conduct study to improve the survival rate of P. tabulaeformis and increase its drought resistance in this area
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