Abstract
Measures must be taken to reduce the stress caused by water scarcity, which is the greatest obstacle to increasing the success of afforestation in arid areas. Precautions such as site preparation and species change do not ensure sufficient benefits. For this, it is necessary to try alternative methods such as using mycorrhization of seedlings for afforestation. The aim of the present study was to obtain Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) seedlings with high resistance to water stress and ascertain the effects of mycorrhizae on the water potential of water- stressed seedlings. Accordingly, we determined the water potentials of seedlings inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Reduction in soil water content caused a reduction in the water potential of seedlings in all treatment variants. Mycorrhization reduced stress by increasing the water potential of seedlings in drought conditions, thereby enhancing their resistance to water stress.
Highlights
The most important factor for the success of afforestation in arid areas is the access of plants to water
The colonisation level was much higher in indigenous mycorrhizae (IM)-treated seedlings (~70%) than in commercial mycorrhizal mixture (CM) seedlings (~4%) (P < 0.0001)
Toprak (2020a) reported that the water potential of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings exposed to drought stress decreases with decreasing soil moisture
Summary
The most important factor for the success of afforestation in arid areas is the access of plants to water. Selection of different species, site preparation and various planting techniques have been tried to achieve afforestation in drought-affected fields, the desired success could not be accomplished. Apart from these techniques, the use of mycorrhized seedlings, especially in conditions where drought stress occurs, increases the field performance of seedlings, ensures the success of afforestation and reduces the costs (Perry et al 1987; Allen 1991; Kozlowski et al 1991; Dunabeitia et al 2004; Edmonds et al 2005; Kalefetoglu & Ekmekci 2005; Toprak 2016). The effects of mycorrhizae on the nutritional status and growth performance of deciduous seedlings have been studied more often than water relations (Huante et al 1993; Rieske 2001; Toprak 2020a)
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.
