Association Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Research Articles

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Bamboo Under Cerrado Brazilian Vegetation

Most studies on bamboo have evaluated their commercial use but few have investigated their associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These symbiont fungi are fundamental on plant growth, nutrient cycling, biodiversity maintenance, etc., particularly on acidic/dystrophic soils as those of the Brazilian Cerrado. This study aimed to characterize the community composition and ecological interactions of AMF associated with the bamboo species Actinocladum verticillatum and Bambusa vulgaris vittata, under Cerrado vegetation in central Brazil. Roots and rhizospheric soil samples of A. verticillatum and B. vulgaris vittata were collected on 12 plots in the Gurupi (Tocantis state) and Porangatu (Goias state) microregions. The roots’ mycorrhizal colonization rate, rhizospheric soil’ spore density, and the associated AMF genera were evaluated. There were no differences in the radical mycorrhizal colonization rates among the two bamboo species, although B. vulgaris vittata showed higher spore density than A. verticillatum. The genera Acaulospora, Claroideglomus, Diversispora, Scutellospora, Glomus, and Gigaspora were identified in both bamboo species, while Sclerocystis was present only on A. verticillatum. The genera Acaulospora, Diversispora, and Glomus were frequently found together. This study may be a first step to future AMF-based bamboo micro-propagation efforts in the Cerrado Brazilian vegetation.

Plant-soil feedback of two legume species in semi-arid Brazil.

Positive feedback between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) and vascular plants can contribute to plant species establishment, but how this feedback affects plant invasion by Prosopis juliflora SW. (DC.), or resistance to invasion by Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir in Brazilian semi-arid region is not well known. In this work, we tested how modified and native AMF communities affect the establishment of P. juliflora and M. tenuiflora plants. We examined the effects of inoculation with modified and native AMF communities on number of AMF spores, root colonization, number of N-fixing nodules, plant dry biomass, plant phosphorous concentration, and plant responsiveness to mycorrhizas of P. juliflora and M. tenuiflora. We found that the modified AMF community enhanced the root colonization, plant dry biomass, and plant phosphorous concentration of invasive P. juliflora, whereas native AMF enhanced M. tenuiflora. Our results demonstrate that the invasive P. juliflora alters soil AMF community composition, and this change generates positive feedback to the invasive P. juliflora itself and decreases AMF associations with native M. tenuiflora.

Role of trees and herbaceous vegetation beneath trees in maintaining arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in temperate alley cropping systems

Better understanding of belowground interactions in agroforestry systems is crucial for the success of plant co-existence. Beyond root competition, associated arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can also be involved in plant to plant interactions. Thus far, the contribution of each agroforestry component (trees, herbaceous vegetation beneath trees -HVbT- and crops) in the establishment and maintenance of AM communities is poorly documented, particularly in temperate areas. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of both roots and AM fungi in two alley-cropping sites located in southwestern France. Over a one-year period, (i) root length density, production and distribution, (ii) AM activity (root mycorrhization rate and extra-radical hyphal production) and (iii) AM diversity (metabarcoding) were assessed at different distances from tree rows in two agroforestry systems. The mycorrhization rate and hyphal production increased at the interface between tree rows and cultivated alleys, showing a positive effect of the presence of a perennial system (tree and HVbT) and of plant diversity. Compared to HVbT, tree roots colonized farther into superficial layers of the cultivated alleys. However, due to higher root densities and well-established AM fungi observed throughout all the year, HVbT appeared to be more relevant in maintaining an active source of AM inoculum for newly developing crop roots in winter. The spatial proximity of roots and common AM fungi provides new perspectives in deciphering the significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in crop nutrition and yield in agroforestry systems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the growth and phosphorus uptake of mung bean plants fertilized with composted rock phosphate fed dung in alkaline soil environment

Inoculation effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (P) transfer from composted dung of cattle with a diet supplemented with powdered rock phosphate (RP) and their successive uptake by mung bean plants was assessed in alkaline soil. The efficacy of composted RP fed dung alone or/and in combination with AMF inoculums containing six different species were compared with SSP in six replicates per treatment in pots. The results showed that the association of AMF with composted RP fed dung had a positive effect on mung bean shoot (3.04 g) and root (2.62 g) biomass, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoid contents and N (58.38 mg plant−1) and P (4.61 mg plant−1) uptake. Similarly, the percent roots colonization (56%) and nodulation of mung bean plant roots and their post-harvest soil properties were also improved by the inoculation of AMF together with composted RP fed dung. It is concluded that the combined application of AMF with composted RP fed dung has almost the same effect as SSP for improving mung bean plants growth and their nutrients uptake. Moreover, AMF inoculants can be used as a suitable biofertilizer in combination with locally available organic sources of fertilizers for improving P status and growth of plants in alkaline soils.

Asociación de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) con plantas de caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum) para la producción de panela en Colombia

Sugarcane crop for panela production in Colombia presents nutritional limitations especially with the low eff iciency of chemical fertilization. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) optimizes fertilization, making it more eff icient and can reduce the application of synthetic fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of AMF with sugarcane plants for panela production in seedling stage. A characterization of soils was carried out in the regions of Cundinamarca and La Hoya del Río Suárez (Boyacá and Santander), characterized as the main sugarcane for panela production in Colombia and it was found that sugarcane plants establish a natural association with the AMF. The predominant AMF were Glomus microcarpum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus sinuosum, four morphotypes of Glomus sp., two of Acaulospora sp. and one of Funneliformis sp. The effect of the inoculation with AMF in the seedling stage was evaluated using three varieties of sugarcane widely cultivated in the Hoya del Río Suárez, CC93-7711 (Pierna Bella), CC93-714 and CC93-7510 (Vende Finca). Eleven (T1 to T8 inoculation with different communities of AMF, T9, T10 and T11 correspond to controls with fertilizations of 10, 50 and 100% of chemical fertilization) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant height and stem diameter, spore quantif ication and percentage of colonization were evaluated. The results showed that the three varieties responded to the benef icial effect of the plant-HMA association, f inding plants with higher yield with respect to the non-inoculated plants. The varieties CC93-7711 (Pierna Bella) and CC93-7510 (Vende Finca) showed a higher percentage of AMF colonization in response to the inoculation of Glomus sp.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and auxin associated with microelements in the development of cuttings of Varronia leucocephala

ABSTRACT The plant Varronia leucocephala is widely used in Brazil for its therapeutic properties. However, a major problem for the seedlings is the low percentage of root formation. The objective of this study was to establish a rooting protocol for V. leucocephala cuttings, using phytoregulators and microelements associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration of 1500 mg L-1 showed the best rooting percentage, and it is proposed associating the microelements zinc and boron with the highest IBA doses. Although an increase in the rooting percentage was observed in the presence of zinc, it was not the most suitable for improving the percentage of propagation. Consequently, association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with 1500 mg L-1 IBA plus zinc was selected to evaluate the rooting percentage and sprouting of the aerial part, dry biomass of roots and aerial part, number of leaves, height, mycorrhizal colonization and dependency, spore density, and nutrients of branches and roots. These results show that using zinc with the highest doses of IBA (1500 mg L-1) in plants inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Gigaspora albida) was the most effective at promoting the vegetative propagation of V. leucocephala.

Saffron Cultivation in Marginal Alpine Environments: How AMF Inoculation Modulates Yield and Bioactive Compounds

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish mutualistic symbiotic associations with plant roots and act as biofertilizers by enhancing plant nutrient and water uptake. Moreover, AMF colonization may influence the biosynthesis of plant bioactive compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants. There is limited information on AMF associations with Crocus sativus L. (saffron) roots and their effect on crop performances and spice quality. In the present work we verified the efficiency of root mycorrhization in potted conditions, and then we evaluated the yield and quality of the saffron produced in two Alpine sites during two cultivation cycles with the application of AMF. Two inocula were applied, either a single-species (Rhizophagus intraradices) or a multispecies mixture (R. intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae). The trial conducted in potted conditions confirmed that both AMF commercial inocula established symbiotic relationships with saffron roots. The multispecies inoculation yielded the highest content of arbuscules in colonized portions of the root (100%), while the single-species was slightly less (82.9%) and no AMF were recorded in untreated control corms. In open-field conditions, AMF colonization of the root systems, flower production, and saffron yields were monitored, and bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant activity in the dried spice were analyzed using spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Overall, the saffron produced was high quality (ISO category) and had high contents of bioactive compounds, with very high total polyphenol content and elevated antioxidant activity. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbionts as biostimulants positively affected saffron cultivation, improving the crop performances and the content of important nutraceutical compounds. In particular, the inoculum composed by R. intraradices and F. mosseae increased flower production and the saffron yield. R. intraradices alone enhanced the spice antioxidant activity and the content of bioactive compounds such as picrocrocin, crocin II, and quercitrin. Since saffron is the world’s highest priced spice, the increases in yield and quality obtained using AMF suggests that farms in marginal areas such as alpine sites can increase profitability by inoculating saffron fields with arbuscular mycorrhiza.

Proline Accumulation Influenced by Osmotic Stress in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiotic Plants.

Salinity and drought are the major osmotic stress limitations that affect plant growth and crop yield in agriculture worldwide. The alternative response mediated by plants in response to salinity and drought are principally proline accumulation which regulates stress combat strategies owing to sustainable production in the realm of agricultural production even under severe stress. Symbiotic and soil associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are regarded as efficient biofertilizers in several crops under these stresses. Summarily AMF is renowned for effective scavengers of free radicals in soil thereby increasing soil parameters optimal for plant growth. AMF contribute to augment host plant tolerance to stress specifically salinity and drought. Mycorrhizal colonization positively regulates root uptake of available nutrients and enhance growth even when bestowed by water constraints which has contributory roles due to proline accumulation providing several intriguing researches on AMF symbiosis pertaining to plant productivity and yield. Mycorrhizal plants and their non-mycorrhizal counterparts show varied expression pattern regarding proline amass. Hence, the precise role of proline with respect to stress tolerance and equivocal mechanisms involved in evasion of osmotic stress has not been extensively reviewed earlier. Further molecular forecasting in this arena is still an underexploited research field. This review comprehensively addresses the observable facts pertaining to proline accumulation upon AMF association and adherence relevant to stress tolerance and host plant efficiency and efficacy.

Low variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal associations and effects on biomass among switchgrass cultivars

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a leading perennial bioenergy feedstock crop candidate in North America, with more than 20 cultivars commercially available. In native prairies, switchgrass is known to be strongly dependent on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), but little is known about AMF in switchgrass bioenergy systems. AMF can alter crop yield and belowground ecosystem functioning, so knowing if AMF vary among switchgrass cultivars may improve development of sustainable bioenergy systems. Using a common garden experiment in Michigan, USA, we examined whether twelve switchgrass cultivars, representing both lowland and upland ecotypes, were associated with shifts in AMF, and if this variation was related to aboveground or belowground crop biomass. Cultivars did not differ in AMF root colonization, extraradical hyphal growth, or soil AMF diversity. However, AMF root colonization was 6% higher in lowland compared to upland ecotypes. While cultivars differed in above- and belowground biomass, only one measure of AMF - root colonization - was significantly correlated with root biomass, and no measures of AMF were correlated with yield. AMF are often more important to plant production in sites that are nutrient or water stressed, and so AMF effects on switchgrass establishment and growth may be more important when grown on marginal lands. Future studies of AMF associations with and effects on production of switchgrass cultivars should be done across a range of conditions reflective of the environments in which they will be grown for bioenergy feedstock.

Colonization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in Maize from Three Different Jhum Lands in Mizoram, India

The study was conducted to assess the association of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in maize from three different jhum fallows. The jhum fallows are of three different years i.e., 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-10 years. Root samples were taken from maize to study colonization of AMF and spores were recovered from the rhizosphere region of the roots. It was observed that soil properties, rainfall pattern as well as human exploitation affect AMF colonization of roots.

Large elevation and small host plant differences in the arbuscular mycorrhizal communities of montane and alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau.

Understanding the diversity and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in extreme conditions is fundamental to predict the occurrence and evolution of either symbiotic partner in alpine ecosystems. We investigated the AMF associations of three plant species at elevations ranging between 3105 and 4556m a.s.l. on Mount Segrila on the Tibetan Plateau. Three of four locations were studied in two consecutive years. The AMF diversity and community composition in the roots of Carex pseudofoetida, Pennisetum centrasiaticum, and Fragaria moupinensis differed little. However, at high elevations, the abundance of members of Acaulosporaceae increased relative to that of Glomeraceae. Plants at lower elevation sites, where Glomeraceae predominated as root symbionts, had higher leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations than plants at higher elevation sites, where Acaulosporaceae predominated. The overall phylogenetic relatedness of the AMF increased with increasing elevation. This suggests that abiotic filtering may play an important role in the structuring of symbiotic AMF communities along elevational gradients. The functional role of Acaulosporaceae whose relative abundance was found to increase with elevation in alpine environments needs to be clarified in future studies.

Importance of AM fungi and local adaptation in plant response to environmental change: Field evidence at contrasting elevations

Abstract Predicting response of plants to environmental change is a great challenge for ecologists and requires a deeper understanding of the importance of biotic interactions such as the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations. Using reciprocal transplantation experiments we tested the performance of two plant species (Primula atrodentata and Aster himalaicus) and AM fungal associations and their interactions in response to environmental change at sites of contrasting elevation. The results show a clear home advantage of plant performance and fungal colonization in most cases, and the consistently positive responses of plants to AM fungi in all home-away combinations. Specifically, mycorrhizal responses showed home-site advantage in P. atrodentata and the AM fungi consistently increased the fitness of A. himalaicus at the high elevation site, suggesting that the stress gradient hypothesis and adaptation hypothesis are both important theoretically in the prediction of functional responses of AM associations to environmental change in alpine ecosystems.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal association with Dicoma tomentosa Cass. from Mahabubnagar District of Telangana state, India

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal association with Dicoma tomentosa Cass. from Mahabubnagar District of Telangana state, India

Arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte fungal associations in plants of different vegetation types in Velliangiri Hills of Western Ghats, southern India

In recent years more attention is being paid to the presence of various non-pathogenic root fungal associations in plants of natural ecosystems for their role in various ecosystem processes. Despite their widespread reports in various ecosystems worldwide, our knowledge on root endophyte fungal association in plants from natural vegetation is far from complete. We assessed the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal association in plants of Velliangiri Hills of the southern Western Ghats region, due to limited information on the root fungal association in this region. Of the 147 plant taxa (belonging to 46 families) investigated from five different vegetation types ranging from montane grasslands to tropical rainforest, 141 were colonised by AM fungi and co-occurrence of DSE fungi along with AM fungi was observed in 74 plant taxa. We report AM and DSE fungal associations for the first time in 61 and 42 plant species, respectively. Determination of AM morphological types indicated the frequent occurrence of intermediate type and AM morphology is reported for the first time in 64 plant taxa. Spore morphotypes belonging to eleven species (in six genera) were isolated from the different vegetation types. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spore numbers neither differed significantly among vegetation types nor were related to AM fungal colonisation. Spores of Funneliformis geosporum was the most frequent spore morphotypes. Dark septate endophyte fungal association occurred in plants of all the vegetation types and was most frequent in herbs. Though no significant relationship was found between AM and DSE fungal colonisation within roots, a positive association was found in the occurrence of these two fungal groups.

ASOSIASI FUNGI MIKORIZA ARBUSKULA (FMA) PADA RHIZOPHORA spp DI DESA TERUSAN KECAMATAN MEMPAWAH HILIR KALIMANTAN BARAT

Symbiosis of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with Rhizophora spp was observed a Terusan Village, Mempawah Hilir Districts, West Kalimantan.. Purpose of the study is : (1) want to obtain information of association of AMF with Rhizophora spp , (2) the types of AMF associated with Rhizophora spp. This research was conducted for 3 months in Terusan Village, Mempawah Hilir District, West Kalimantan and Silviculture Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, Tanjungpura University. The research was conducted by lane technique survey method. The results of this study showed that there are 7 types of AMF namely Gigaspora sp, Glomus sp1, Glomus sp2, Glomus sp3, Glomus sp4, Glomus sp5, and Glomus sp6. The total number of spores there are 2,903 spores while for the root sample found the internal hyphae and vesicle in the root.Keywords: Rhizophora spp, mycorrhiza, Mangrove, Terusan Village

Plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizae development in oil sands processing by-products

Soil pollutants such as hydrocarbons can induce toxic effects in plants and associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This study was conducted to evaluate if the legume Lotus corniculatus and the grass Elymus trachycaulus and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could grow in two oil sands processing by-products after bitumen extraction from the oil sands in northern Alberta, Canada. Substrate treatments were coarse tailings sand (CTS), a mix of dry mature fine tailings (MFT) with CTS (1:1) and Pleistocene sandy soil (hydrocarbon free); microbial treatments were without AMF, with AMF and AMF plus soil bacteria isolated from oil sands reclamation sites. Plant biomass, root morphology, leaf water content, shoot tissue phosphorus content and mycorrhizal colonization were evaluated. Both plant species had reduced growth in CTS and tailings mix relative to sandy soil. AMF frequency and intensity in roots of E. trachycaulus was not influenced by soil hydrocarbons; however, it decreased significantly over time in roots of L. corniculatus without bacteria in CTS. Mycorrhizal inoculation alone did not significantly improve plant growth in CTS and tailings mix; however, inoculation with mycorrhizae plus bacteria led to a significantly positive response of both plant species in CTS. Thus, combined inoculation with selected mycorrhizae and bacteria led to synergistic effects. Such combinations may be used in future to improve plant growth in reclamation of CTS and tailings mix.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Composition Affects the Growth and Nutrient Acquisition of Two Plants from a Karst Area

How the composition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community affects plant traits of different plant species in karst environments is poorly understood. Broussonetia papyrifera (a woody shrub) and Bidens pilosa (a herbaceous plant) growing in pots in limestone soil were inoculated with an AM fungus, either Funneliformis mosseae (FM), Diversispora versiformis (DV) or Glomus diaphanum (GD) or with an inoculum mixture of all three AM fungi (bn). B. papyrifera and B. pilosa seedlings inoculated with AM fungi showed a significant increase in biomass and nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition compared with the controls, which lacked mycorrhiza. Mixed fungal inoculations significantly enhanced biomass and nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition by B. papyrifera seedlings compared with single fungal inoculations. Nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition by B. papyrifera mycorrhizal seedlings was significantly greater than that of B. pilosa mycorrhizal seedlings. Fungal composition significantly influenced the mycorrhizal benefits of biomass and phosphorus acquisition and mixed fungal inoculations enhanced nitrogen acquisition. Plant species significantly affected nitrogen acquisition but did not have an effect on biomass and phosphorus benefits. We concluded that AM fungal associations increased plant growth and nutrient absorption and that in general a mixed inoculation of AM fungi enhanced biomass and nutrient acquisition more than a single AM fungal inoculation. In addition, a mycorrhizal association was more beneficial for B. papyrifera seedlings in terms of biomass and nutrient acquisition than for B. pilosa seedlings.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Association Contributes to Cr Accumulation and Tolerance in Plants Growing on Cr Contaminated Soils

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are well known root symbionts in heavy metal polluted soils. To assess AM fungal association and their contribution to the host plants naturally growing on a highly chromium (Cr) contaminated soil, the present study has been undertaken. The soil of the study site was contaminated with 32,562 ppm Cr coming from tannery industry. The study site was dominated by Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Croton bonplandianum Baill and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. High mycorrhizal colonization (31–83%) and low spore population (5–11 spores/g) was recorded. The diversity of AM fungi was very low because of stress caused by Cr. Only seven AM fungal isolates have been recovered. Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis geosporus and Glomus sinuosum have been recovered from two hosts, while, Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Glomus aggregatum and Acaulospora scrobiculata from single host only. Cr accumulation in the roots were analyzed through AAS and correlated with various mycorrhization parameters. The results of correlation through PCA showed that, various mycorrhization parameters were under strong influence of Cr accumulation in the roots. Furthermore, all the AM fungi showed certain adaptive features like compact sporocarp, thick spore wall, sloughing outermost wall layer and formation of water stable aggregates. Low species diversity, high mycorrhizal colonization, presence of adaptive features and strong correlation of mycorrhizal parameters with the Cr accumulation in the roots clearly indicated that, these AM fungi have contributed to the Cr accumulation and tolerance to the host plants in Cr sludge deposit.

How are arbuscular mycorrhizal associations related to maize growth performance during short-term cover crop rotation?

Better cover crop management options aiming to maximize the benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to subsequent crops are largely unknown. We investigated the impact of cover crop management methods on maize growth performance and assemblages of AMF colonizing maize roots in a field trial. The cover crop treatments comprised Italian ryegrass, wheat, brown mustard and fallow in rotation with maize. The diversity of AMF communities among cover crops used for maize management was significantly influenced by the cover crop and time course. Cover crops did not affect grain yield and aboveground biomass of subsequent maize but affected early growth. A structural equation model indicated that the root colonization, AMF diversity and maize phosphorus uptake had direct strong positive effects on yield performance. AMF variables and maize performance were related directly or indirectly to maize grain yield, whereas root colonization had a positive effect on maize performance. AMF may be an essential factor that determines the success of cover crop rotational systems. Encouraging AMF associations can potentially benefit cover cropping systems. Therefore, it is imperative to consider AMF associations and crop phenology when making management decisions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Response of Miscanthus sacchariflorus to zinc stress mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have the ability to promote growth of the associated plants by enhancing water and nutrient uptake. In the present study, we aimed to explore the performance of Miscanthus sacchariflorus under different soil zinc (Zn) levels in association with inoculated AM fungi. M. sacchariflorus was grown in a greenhouse with three doses of added Zn (0, 100 and 1000mgkg−1 soil) in combination with or without association of AM fungi, and its growth, oxidative stress levels, and ultrastructure were observed. The additions of medium levels of Zn (100mgkg−1) did not show significant effects on mycorrhizal colonization; however, when the Zn addition level was 1000mgkg−1, the mycorrhizal infection rate slightly decreased in comparison to the no Zn addition treatment (control). Inoculation of AM with 100mgkg−1 Zn addition increased chlorophyll concentration, Fv/Fm, total dry mass, concentrations of indole acetic acid, total nitrogen and total phosphorus, and content of Zn, whereas activity levels of peroxidase and indole acetic acid oxidase, and H2O2 levels were low when compared with the other two treatments. 1000mgkg−1 Zn addition resulted in lower Zn contents in the aerial parts of inoculated compared to non-inoculated plants. Zn crystals in the root parenchyma of mycorrhizal plants were observed. These results open the possibility of using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiotic Miscanthus plants in phytoremediation as well as to grow them in Zn-deficient soils.