Abstract
Studies have shown arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance phosphorus (P) uptake and drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) grown in semiarid soils. However, little is known regarding the contribution of AMF to maize treated with different levels of phosphorus and grown in different soil moisture levels. This study was conducted to determine the effects of AMF (Glomus fasciculatum) inoculation on growth and P uptake of maize treated with different levels of soil P and soil moisture. Different P levels (0, 50, and 100 kg P ha-1) were applied on maize grown in soils with and without mycorrhizal fungi, and at different moisture levels producing -0.05, -0.4, -0.8, and -1.5 MPa of drought stress. Increasing P rates significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal colonization was higher under moderate than under lower soil moisture levels. Drought stress × soil P content × AMF inoculation interaction had significant (p < 0.05) effect on maize shoot and root dry weight and tissue P concentration. Overall, results of this study suggest that mycorrhizal inoculation enhances P uptake and maximizes maize biomass under low, moderate, and high soil moisture conditions without P applications. Except for the lowest soil moisture level (-1.5 MPa), mycorrhizal plants produced higher biomass, with greater tissue P content than nonmycorrhizal plants at all soil P and soil moisture levels. These results indicate that establishing efficacious AMF with maize could be an efficient alternative for growers than relying on P fertilizer application and its associated costs and environmental concerns. Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi, Drought Tolerance, Phosphorus Levels, Maize Plants.
Highlights
The objective of this study is to examine the influence of an isolate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (G. fasciculatum [Thaxter sensu Gred.] Gerdemann & Trappe) from Egypt on biomass production and tissue P concentration of maize grown under a range of soil P content and soil moisture levels
The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus used in this study was an isolate of G. fasciculatum obtained from the Faculty of Agriculture at Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Uninoculated maize plants did not developed mycorrhizal root systems, but maize plants inoculated with 350 g of AMF inoculum formed arbuscular mycorrhizal root systems with between 39 and 75% of 1 cm root segments inhabited by G. fasciculatum
Summary
Crops may suffer drought conditions in these areas, especially if dependent on rainfall. Irrigation brings additional concerns, such as salinity stress (Albacete et al, 2014). This situation is worsening due to climate change (Chaves and Oliveira, 2004). Drought is considered the most important abiotic factor restricting plant productivity (Bray, 2004). Any intervention improving drought tolerance will contribute to greater crop production in these areas (AlKaraki et al, 2004), many of which are projected to experience more drought in coming years (Calvo-Polanco et al, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
