Claroideoglomus Etunicatum Research Articles

Mycorrhizal symbiosis promotes the nutrient content accumulation and affects the root exudates in maize

BackgroundArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a group of important symbiotic microorganisms found in ecosystems. Maize is the second most produced food crop globally. To investigate the mechanisms by which mycorrhizal symbiosis improves maize yields, the effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on root vigor, nutrient accumulation in various tissues, and root exudates were investigated. We propose the following hypothesis: The secretion of organic acids in root exudates has antagonistic or synergistic effects, which are related to the rhizosphere environment. AMF symbiosis will enhance this effect.ResultRhizophagus aggreatus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Funneliformis mosseae were used to inoculate maize plants separately; meanwhile, maize was inoculated with the above three fungi together for another processing. The plant tissues were sampled at five growth stages: V12 (twelve-leaf), VT (Tassel), R1 (Silking), R2 (Blister), and R4 (Dough stage). The root vigor, and nutrient content in different maize organs and organic acids in root exudates were determined in these stages. The results show that mycorrhizal symbiosis significantly improved the root vigor of maize, especially for plants inoculated with F. mosseae. AMF symbiosis significantly increased N, P, and K accumulation. Mixed inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly promoted the accumulation of N and K in maize. P accumulation was significantly promoted by C. etunicatum inoculation. Mycorrhizal symbiosis reduced the levels of protocatechuic, vanillic, citric, and ferulic acid in maize root exudates and increased the levels of p-hydroxybenzoic and caffeic acid. Except for syringic, chlorogenic and succinic acid, the levels of other organic acids in root exudates were higher in plants inoculated with F. mosseae than in other treatments.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that mycorrhizal symbiosis improves root vigor and promotes nutrient accumulation at various sites; in addition, mycorrhizal symbiosis affects the content of organic acids in root exudates.

Lallemantia Iberica and Lallemantia Royleana: The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculation on Growth and Mycorrhizal Dependency under Sterile and Non‐sterile Soils

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of mycorrhizal species inoculation on the growth of Lallemantia species. Two pot experiments were performed to determine mycorrhizal species effects on growth, yield, mycorrhizal dependency, root colonization, and seed quality. Under sterile soil conditions, Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae, Funneliformis caledonius, Rhizophagus intraradices, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Claroideoglomus claroideum, Rhizophagus fasciculatus and Diversisporles epigaea. Among mycorrhizal species, Cl. etunicatum (M1), Fu. mosseae (M2) and R. intraradices (M3) were most effective on root colonization on both species of Lallemantia. In the main experiment, for both plant species of Lallemantia, the growth, yield and yield components, seed quality, and mycorrhizal dependency (MD) parameters were studied under non-sterile and sterile soil conditions using three optimal mycorrhizal species (M1), (M2), (M3), and their mixture. Both plant species grown in non-sterile soil grew better than in sterile soil conditions. The integrated application of M1 + M2 + M3 had a better effect on measured parameters of Lallemantia species. Inoculated and non-inoculated L. iberica showed higher growth and produced more yield, thousand grain weight, phosphorus, and oil content. The number of silique in plant, number of seed in plant, mucilage, and MD of inoculated and non-inoculated L. royleana were higher than L. iberica. Generally, our result showed that both species of Lallemantia were mycorrhizal dependent, and soil sterilization led to killing of all indigenous mycorrhizal species, and as a result, it caused to decrease the growth of Lallemantia species.

Matching of Nitrogen Enhancement and Photosynthetic Efficiency by Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Relation to Organic Fertilizer Type

In the present study, Funneliformis mosseae (FM), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CE), and Acaulospora foveata (AF) were inoculated to hybrid maize (Zea mays L. cv. CP888®). Upregulation of nitrogen levels were dependent on the type of mycorrhiza (AMF). Photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and water content in FM- and AF-inoculated plants were elevated, resulting in promotion of leaf area and shoot biomass. N content in the shoot and root tissues of the FM-inoculated plants increased by 21% and 30% over the control. A positive correlation between biochemical, physiological, and morphological parameters using Pearson’s coefficient was demonstrated. A decline in lipid peroxidation was noticed in the FM-inoculated plants. In addition, we investigated the potential of N fertilizer application in combination with FM inoculation in maize plants. The FM-inoculated plants with organic O_LT, a chicken manure fertilizer, increased N content in the host shoots by 73% over the control, leading to improved Fv/Fm as a physiological adaptation strategy. The FM and the O_LT on the regulation of the N enhancement and photosynthetic efficiency of the hybrid maize should further be validated in field trials in different environments for sustainability.

Role of Combined Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, as a Sustainable Tool, for Stimulating the Growth, Physiological Processes, and Flowering Performance of Lavender

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are essential soil microorganisms for terrestrial ecosystems and form beneficial symbioses with the root systems of most agricultural plants. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effect of the community of six AMF on the growth, physiological response, and flowering performance in organic potted lavender culture. The mixture of AMF containing Rhizophagus irregularis, Claroideoglomus claroideum, Funneliformis mosseae, Funneliformis geosporum, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Glomus microaggregatum was added in a pot with peat, volcanic rock, and coconut bark. We analyzed the fresh shoot biomass, root biomass, total plant biomass, leaf area, flowering performance, photosynthesis rate, and photosynthetic pigment content. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was performed to get a better understanding of the relationships between the studied variables. The total plant biomass was more pronounced in plants with AMF-S20g (212.01 g plant−1) and AMF-S30g (220.25 g plant−1) than with AMF-S10g (201.96 g plant−1) or in untreated plants (180.87 g plant−1). A statistically significant increase for Chl a, Chl b, and Car was found for AMF-S20g and AMF-S30. Our findings suggest that the AMF mixture application in a growing substrate with peat, coconut bark, and volcanic rock improved plant growth, physiological processes, and ornamental value in mycorrhizal lavender plants. This environmentally friendly agricultural practice could be used for the sustainable production of lavender.

Occurrence and richness of arbuscular mycorrizal fungi in vineyards with grapevine decline and dieback symptoms

ABSTRACT: This research identified arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in rhizosphere soil of grapevines with Grapevine Death and Decline symptoms (GDD) or asymptomatic healthy (H) plants, and characterized the relationship of AMF communities with soil chemical attributes. The AMF spore number ranged from 287 to 432 spores 50 cm-3 in soil with GDD plants, and from 357 to 464 spores 50 cm-3 in H plants, with no differences among vineyards or between GDD and H plants within each vineyard. We detected 42 species and 17 genera, and most taxa belonged to Acaulosporaceae or Glomeraceae. Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae, and Archaeospora trappei were the most frequent species in all vineyards. Soil chemical attributes were not determinant for the occurrence of most fungal species; although, Entrophospora infrequens, Diversispora sp1 and Diversispora sp2 were associated with a vineyard having high soil copper. Vineyards harbor highly diverse AMF communities, which are determined by location.

Bioprospecting of lemon balm (<i>Melissa officinalis</i> L.) inoculated with mycorrhiza under different rates of phosphorus for sustainable essential oil production

<abstract> <p>This study aimed to evaluate the yield and chemical composition of essential oil (EO) and the growth parameters of <italic>Melissa officinalis</italic> L. (lemon balm) inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) under different rates of phosphorus (P). Treatments comprised a high and low P rate combined or not with inoculation of <italic>Rhizophagus clarus</italic> (C. Walker & A. Schüßler) or <italic>Claroideoglomus etunicatum</italic> (C. Walker & A. Schüßler), arranged according to a 2 × 3 factorial design with 8 replications. At 4 months after transplanting, shoot fresh and dry weights increased in both AMF-inoculated treatments under a low P rate. There was an increase in shoot P content with <italic>C. etunicatum</italic> inoculation under a high P rate. EO yields ranged from 0.04% to 0.12% and increased with <italic>R. clarus</italic> inoculation. Eighteen compounds were identified in EOs. The major components were geranial (43.96%–54.93%), neral (29.95%–34.66%), geraniol (3.11%–12.85%), and (<italic>E</italic>)-caryophyllene (2.62%–6.66%). It was concluded that AMF inoculation increased plant growth, improved EO yield, and modified EO composition. It is recommended to inoculate lemon balm with <italic>R</italic>. <italic>clarus</italic> under low P rates.</p> </abstract>

Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Two Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) Varieties Subjected to Water Stress under Semi-Controlled Conditions

In arid and semi-arid regions, the growth and development of cultivated plants, especially tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), are severely limited by water deficit. Thus, to cope with this constraint, the plant establishes symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soil whose extension of the hyphae allows a better and deeper exploration; this notably improves the hydromineral nutrition of the plant. Therefore, the choice of fungal partner becomes crucial for the establishment of a crop in water-deficient soil. In this context, the contribution of AMF to the water stress tolerance of two varieties of tomato plants was assessed under semi-controlled conditions. Parameters, such as the mycorrhizal frequency, intensity of mycorrhization, relative mycorrhizal dependency, growth, and biochemical parameters (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and proline contents) of plants subjected to three levels of water stress (T100, T70, and T30), were evaluated. The highest frequencies and intensities of mycorrhization and relative mycorrhizal dependencies were obtained with plants of the Xewel variety inoculated with Rhizophagus fasciculatus (F: 95.24%, 88.35%, and 13.64%; M: 40.52%, 37.52%, and 11.22%; D: 23.7%, 54.4%, and 78.82%) and in those of the Lady Nema variety inoculated with Claroideoglomus etunicatum (F: 95.12%, 87.01%, and 15.25%; M: 40.66%, 37.99%, and 11.42%; D: 19.27%, 57.01%, and 70.98%), respectively at water regimes of T100, T70 and T30. These same symbiotic couples recorded, at T30, the best survival rates (+ 40%) and the higher aerial (77% and 74%) and root dry weights (80% and 59%). Plants of the Xewel variety inoculated with R. fasciculatus recorded the highest contents of carbon (T70: 30.59% and T30: 21.55%) and phosphorus (T70: 0.18% and T30: 0.17%). Plants of the Lady Nema variety recorded the highest nitrogen contents with 3.51% and 3.20%, respectively at T70 and T30. Plants of the Lady Nema variety, inoculated with C. etunicatum, also recorded the highest proline contents (572.25, 739.44, and 1165 nmoles•g−1 of fresh material), followed by those of the Xewel variety inoculated with R. fasciculatus (580.36, 763.65, and 1112.11 nmoles•g−1 of fresh matter), respectively at T100, T70, and T30. For the Lady Nema variety, the best fungal partner is C. etunicatum, followed by R. fasciculatus and, finally, Funneliformis mosseae. However, for the plants of the Xewel variety, R. fasciculatus is the most efficient, followed by F. mosseae and C. etunicatum. This suggests that, in tomatoes, the efficiency of mycorrhizal symbiosis under water stress conditions is not only dependent on the host plant but on both associated symbiotic partners. Hence, it is a need for screening to identify the best symbiotic couples in a stressful environment.

Claroideoglomus etunicatum improved the growth and saline– alkaline tolerance of Potentilla anserina by altering physiological and biochemical properties

To investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and saline–alkaline tolerance of Potentilla anserina L., the seedlings were inoculated with Claroideoglomus etunicatum (W.N. Becker & Gerd.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler in pot cultivation. After 90 days of culture, saline–alkaline stress was induced with NaCl and NaHCO3 solution according to the main salt components in saline–alkaline soils. Based on the physiological response of P. anserina to the stress in the preliminary experiment, the solution concentrations of 0 mmol/L, 75 mmol/L, 150 mmol/L, 225 mmol/L and 300 mmol/L were treated with stress for 10 days, respectively. The mycorrhizal colonization rate, mycorrhizal dependence, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde content, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmoregulation substances content and water status were measured. The results showed that with the increase of NaCl and NaHCO3 stress concentration, mycorrhizal colonization rate, colonization intensity, arbuscular abundance and vesicle abundance decreased, and reached the lowest value at 300 mmol/L. Strong mycorrhizal dependence was observed after the symbiosis with AM fungus, and the dependence was higher under NaHCO3 treatment. Under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress, inoculation with AM fungus could increase chlorophyll content, decrease malondialdehyde content, increase activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, increase contents of proline, soluble sugar and soluble protein, increase tissue relative water content and decrease water saturation deficit. It was concluded that salt–alkali stress inhibited the colonization of AM fungus, but the mycorrhiza still played a positive role in maintaining the normal growth of plants under salt–alkali stress.

Chemical and microbiological attributes of sandy soil fertilized with crushed green coconut shell

The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition of crushed green coconut shell and its effects on soil attributes. The treatments consisted of areas that received the residue and presented differences in the reaction time with the soil: 1 (T1); 12 (T2); 36 (T3) and 72 months (T4) and another area, in which the residue was not applied (T5). Samples of residues remaining on the soil surface were collected to evaluate the chemical composition and soils for chemical analysis, microbial activity, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Nutrients and sodium concentrations remained the same over time, providing, in order of magnitude, the contribution of organic C > K > N > Mg > Na > Ca > P > S > Cu > Fe > Mn > Zn to the soil. Over the periods evaluated, there were increases in the availability of elements, such as N, P, K and Na, and increases in the sum of base and cation exchange capacity of the soil. During the treatment with the longest period evaluated, there were increases in microbial biomass activity, measured by edaphic respiration and by metabolic and mineralization quotients. As time progressed, there were variations in communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, but this did not affect the diversity of fungal species. The most prevalent spore morphotypes belonged to Acaulospora laevis, A. scrobiculata and Claroideoglomus etunicatum . The application of 100 t ha -1 of crushed green coconut shell promotes changes in the chemical and microbiological soil attributes, especially in the first months of the application of the residue. Reapplying residue 36 months after the first application is recommended.

Mycorrhiza improves plant growth and photosynthetic characteristics of tea plants in response to drought stress

Tea plants are sensitive to soil moisture deficit, with the level of soil water being a critical factor affecting their growth and quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve water and nutrient absorption, but it is not clear whether AMF can improve the photosynthetic characteristics of tea plants. A potted study was conducted to determine the effects of Claroideoglomus etunicatum on plant growth, leaf water status, pigment content, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in Camellia sinensis cv. Fuding Dabaicha under well-watered (WW) and drought stress (DS) conditions. Root mycorrhizal colonization and soil hyphal length were significantly reduced by the eight-week DS treatment. AMF inoculation displayed a significant increase in shoot and root biomass production. The relative water content, leaf water potential, nitrogen balance index, pigment content, maximum photometric effect (Fv/Fm, QY_max), and steady-state photometric effect Y (II) (QY_Lss) decreased dramatically, while the leaf water saturation deficit and steady-state non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ_Lss) generally increased under DS conditions. Mycorrhizal treatment induced significantly higher relative water content, leaf water potential, nitrogen balance index, pigment (chlorophyll, flavonoid, and anthocyanin) content, net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, QY_max, and QY_Lss; however, it resulted in a lower leaf water saturation deficit and NPQ_Lss under both WW and DS conditions, as compared with non-mycorrhizal plants. These results imply that AMF promoted tea plant growth and alleviated negative effects of DS by promoting gas exchange, regulating the water status of leaves, and regulating photosynthetic parameters.

Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Two Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) Varieties Subjected to Salt Stress under Semi-Controlled Conditions

Salinity is a major problem that seriously impacts agricultural production, particularly that of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). However, the plant has the ability to associate with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to better tolerate salt stress. Thus, thanks to the extension of the AMF hyphae, the hydromineral nutrition and the tolerance to excess toxic ions (Na+ and Cl-) of the plant are optimized. In this context, the contribution of AMF to the salt stress tolerance of two tomato varieties under semi-controlled conditions was studied. To do this, the frequency and intensity of mycorrhization, the relative mycorrhizal dependency, the survival rates, the aerial and root dry weights, the mineral (P, K+, Na+) and proline contents of the plants subjected to four levels of salinity [0, 70, 140 and 210 mM of NaCl] were evaluated. All the parameters assessed appeared to be dependent on the variety, the fungal strain and the NaCl concentration. With the Lady Nema variety, inoculation with the Claroideoglomus etunicatum strain at [NaCl 140 mM] resulted in the highest frequencies (54%), intensities (40.47%), and relative mycorrhizal dependencies (19.65%). This same symbiotic couple recorded high survival rates (55%) and aerial (2.03 g) and root (0.50 g) dry weights. Significant contents of K+ (Leaves: 7.5 mg⋅g-1; Roots: 4.4 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter), P (Leaves: 15.15 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) and proline (975 nmoles⋅g-1 of fresh matter) were also recorded by this pair, with the lowest Na+ contents (Leaves: 1.93 mg⋅g-1; Roots: 0.96 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter). For the Mongal variety, at [NaCl 140 mM], the highest frequencies (50.36%), intensities (35.14%) and relative mycorrhizal dependencies (43.95%) were obtained thanks to inoculation with Rhizophagus fasciculatus. The highest survival rates (59%) and aerial (2.58 g) and root (0.79 g) dry weights were also obtained with this symbiotic couple. The contents of K+ (Leaves: 6.1 mg⋅g-1; Roots: 3.09 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter), P (Leaves: 12.49 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) and proline (942 nmoles⋅g-1 of fresh matter) the most important and those in Na+ the lowest (Leaves: 2.03 mg⋅g-1; Roots: 1.53 mg⋅g-1 of dry matter) were also recorded for this same pair. Thus, the best fungal partner for the Lady Nema variety is C. etunicatum, followed by F. mosseae and R. fasciculatus, while for the Mongal variety it is R. fasciculatus, followed by C. etunicatum and F. mosseae.

Mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate fertilization in the production of Euterpe edulis seedlings

The present study evaluated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on growth and nutrition of Euterpe edulis seedlings, supplemented or not with phosphate fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. The randomized block design, consisted of a 3x2 factorial arrangement and 4 replicates, with two phosphorus doses (0 and 50 mg dm-3 of soil), two microbiological treatments (Rhizophagus clarus; laroideoglomus etunicatum; R. clarus + C. etunicatum) and control (without fungus). Sowing and inoculation occurred concurrently in 2 kg plastic bags. Height, collar diameter, leaf area, dry shoot mass, macronutrient content and mycorrhizal colonization percentage were determined after 226 days. Regarding mycorrhizal colonization percentage, R. clarus resulted significantly beneficial for the production of E. edulis seedlings. In the absence of phosphate fertilization, R. clarus and mixed inoculum increased all biometric variables and macronutrient contents in seedlings. Therefore, it is concluded that AMF inoculations provide beneficial effects for growth and nutrition of E. edulis seedlings, resulting in more vigorous plants at a low-cost strategy. Highlights: Rhizophagus clarus resulted significantly beneficial for the production of E. edulis seedlings and in the absence of phosphate fertilization, and mixed inoculum ( clarus + Claroideoglomus etunicatum) increased all biometric variables and macronutrient contents in seedlings. The AMF inoculations provide beneficial effects for growth and nutrition of E. edulis seedlings, resulting in more vigorous plants at a low-cost strategy. The AMF, a biological agent of mutualistic associations with plants, constitutes an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture, contributing to increase plant survival rate, a key-factor for the successful reintroduction and conservation of E. edulis, as well as for its commercial exploitation.

English

A shade house experiment was conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the impact of a mixture of three arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) namely Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices and Claroideoglomus etunicatum, a bacterium Bacillus subtilis, and their combinations on the growth and drought resistance potential of Acacia torilis seedlings under moderate and water deficit-stress. Thus, inoculants treatments (AMF, Bacillus subtilis, AMF+Bacillus, and control) and several watering intervals (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) were applied. Inoculation of AMF and Bacillus to A. tortilis seedlings found effective in terms of improved seedling growth. AMF and combined inoculation resulted in a larger shoot (shoot fresh and dry weights, seedling height, leaf number, leaf area) and root development (root fresh and dry weights, root length, root surface area, and root volume) as compared to the non-inoculated seedlings. Single inoculants of B. subtilis, showed better improvement in 1- and 2-week watering intervals compared to the control. Inoculated seedlings showed lower proline accumulation than non-inoculated seedlings, and thus improved seedling resistance to water deficit-stress. Mycorrhizal and mixed inoculation enhanced the amount of chlorophyll in the seedling’s leaves. Furthermore, seedlings with AMF and co-inoculants showed better drought tolerance even at 3- and 4-week watering intervals. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Mycorrhizal growth and phosphorus responses of tropical soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars differ with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isolates and phosphorus application rates in a derived-savanna zone of Nigeria

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiosis with most crops and provide a sustainable approach to promote crop productivity in phosphorus (P) deficient soils. There is scarcity of information on mycorrhizal growth and P responses in relation to different AMF isolates, P rates and soybean cultivars in Nigeria. Thus, field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2017 − 2018) to explore the impacts of different AMF isolates (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices and Claroideoglomus etunicatum) and P application rates (0, 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha−1) on plant growth, mycorrhizal responses, nodulation, P nutrition and grain yield of two soybean cultivars (TGx 1448-2E and TGX 1440-1E). The results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation significantly enhanced root colonization, shoot biomass, nodulation, P uptake, P use efficiency and grain yield of the soybean cultivars compared to control. Inoculation of R. intraradices and F. mosseae consistently favored mycorrhizal responses compared to C. etunicatum. Application of high P rate (40 kg ha−1) negatively affected root colonization, mycorrhizal growth and P responses in inoculated plants. Both cultivars showed similar mycorrhizal responses. Mycorrhizal growth and P responses were significantly enhanced with inoculation of R. intraradices or F. mosseae and P rate of 20 kg ha−1, which resulted in increased P uptake, shoot biomass and grain yield in both cropping years . The findings indicated that inoculation of R. intraradices or F. mosseae with moderate P rate (20 kg ha−1) is optimal to promote plant growth, P nutrition and grain yield of tropical soybean for sustainable cultivation in Nigeria.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from acidic soils favors production of tomatoes and lycopene concentration.

Tomato is widely consumed throughout the world for its flavor and nutritional value. This functional food largely depends on the implementation of new strategies to maintain the nutraceutical value, e.g. lycopene concentration, and overcome the challenges of sustainable production and food security. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based biostimulants represents one of the most promising tools for sustainable management of agricultural soils, being fundamental for organic food production, reducing fertilizers and pesticides use, and decreasing environmental damage. This study aimed at elucidating whether native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could positively affect tomato yield and lycopene concentration. Native AMF inoculum consisted of two inoculum types: the single species Claroideoglomus claroideum, and a mix of Scutellospora calospora, Acaulospora laevis, Claroideoglomus claroideum, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum. At the end of the study up to 78% of the root system was colonized by single inoculum. Tomato diameters in single and mix mycorrhizal plants showed increases of 80% and 35% respectively. Fresh weights were 84% and 38% higher with single and mix inocula compared with the controls, respectively. The lycopene concentration in tomato fruits of plants with single and mix inoculum was higher than controls. The lycopene concentration was 124.5% and 113.9% greater in single and mix than non-inoculated plants. Tomato diameters, fresh weight and lycopene concentration was significantly higher in plants colonized by AMF compared with uninoculated plants. Results suggest that the role of single species Claroideoglomus claroideum could generate better plant performance due to its high production of extraradical mycelium. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mycorrhizal Association in Wheat Genotypes Submitted to Variable Irrigation in the Brazilian Cerrado

Mycorrhizal association contributes to plant growth, influencing tolerance to abiotic stresses such as water deficit. There is considerable variation in infection by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in cultivars of the same crop, but there is little information regarding these differences in wheat. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of water deficit on the arbuscular mycorrhizal association in wheat genotypes in the Cerrado region and the association between soil attributes and mycorrhizal colonization. The experiment was conducted in a no-till system, using different water regimes. The experimental design was a randomized block with subdivided plots scheme, with 12 treatments and 3 repetitions. The plots consisted of 4 wheat genotypes and the subplots included 3 water regimes. Mycorrhizal colonization, soil microbial biomass carbon, total soil organic carbon, easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein, spore number and AMF species diversity were evaluated. Mycorrhizal colonization was not influenced by wheat genotypes, but it was favored by the higher water regime, being 44.8% higher when compared to the lower water regime. The soil moisture was positively correlated with the soil attributes with the exception of the number of AMF spores. The community of AMF associated with wheat genotypes was similar, comprising of 12 species, predominantly Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Glomus macrocarpum. The low variation among wheat genotypes for AMF diversity suggests no selective influence of the plants on the AMF community in the area of the study. Water regime was shown to be a dominant factor in mycorrhizal association.

Pre-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affects essential oil quality and the reproduction of root lesion nematode in Cymbopogon citratus.

Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant containing citral-rich essential oil, of which the quality and quantity may be affected by nematode infection. Research has shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may act as nematode biocontrol agents and improve the chemical composition of plants. Three experiments were conducted to assess the effects of AMF inoculation on vegetative growth, essential oil composition, induction of defense-related proteins, and control of Pratylenchus brachyurus in C. citratus. Seedlings were transplanted into pots inoculated with one of two AMF species (Rhizophagus clarus or Claroideoglomus etunicatum). At 30days after AMF inoculation, plants were inoculated with P. brachyurus. Evaluations were performed at 75days after nematode inoculation. Although both AMF treatments led to effective root colonization (> 84%), fungus inoculation was not effective in reducing P. brachyurus population density. Nevertheless, C. etunicatum promoted an increase in shoot weight, and AMF treatments contributed to preserving essential oil composition in nematode-infected plants. In addition, both AMF treatments enhanced polyphenol oxidase activity and R. clarus increased peroxidase activity after nematode inoculation.

Phytate and Microbial Suspension Amendments Increased Soybean Growth and Shifted Microbial Community Structure.

Phytate represents an organic pool of phosphorus in soil that requires hydrolysis by phytase enzymes produced by microorganisms prior to its bioavailability by plants. We tested the ability of a microbial suspension made from an old growth maple forest’s undisturbed soil to mineralize phytate in a greenhouse trial on soybean plants inoculated or non-inoculated with the suspension. MiSeq Amplicon sequencing targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS was performed to assess microbial community changes following treatments. Our results showed that soybean nodulation and shoot dry weight biomass increased when phytate was applied to the nutrient-poor substrate mixture. Bacterial and fungal diversities of the root and rhizosphere biotopes were relatively resilient following inoculation by microbial suspension; however, bacterial community structure was significantly influenced. Interestingly, four arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were identified as indicator species, including Glomus sp., Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae and an unidentified AMF taxon. We also observed that an ericoid mycorrhizal taxon Sebacina sp. and three Trichoderma spp. were among indicator species. Non-pathogenic Planctobacteria members highly dominated the bacterial community as core and hub taxa for over 80% of all bacterial datasets in root and rhizosphere biotopes. Overall, our study documented that inoculation with a microbial suspension and phytate amendment improved soybean plant growth.

Does a decrease in microbial biomass alter mycorrhizal attributes and soil quality indicators in coal mining areas under revegetation process?

Losses of microbial diversity in degraded ecosystems still have obscure consequences, especially when considering the interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil bacteria. This study investigates the effect of decreasing microbial biomass on mycorrhizal attributes and soil quality indicators. The dilution-to-extinction approach was applied in microcosms to search for associations among bacterial diversity, mycorrhizal attributes, and soil quality indicators. The experiment was conducted with four soil treatments (undiluted control 100 = D0, 10−3 = D3, 10−6 = D6, and 10−9 = D9) from a short-term (two years = 2Y) and a long-term (15 years = 15Y) coal mine revegetation area. Microcosms were inoculated with 300 spores of Acaulospora colombiana, Gigaspora albida, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum with millet as the host plant. Results included the total number of AMF spores, mycorrhizal colonization, soil aggregation, glomalin, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA), basal soil respiration, microbial biomass, and soil bacterial microbiome. Larger differences were observed between areas than between dilution treatments within the sampling area. Attributes that presented differences in the dilutions compared to D0 2Y samples were mycorrhizal colonization (D0 = 85% and D9 = 43.3%), FDA (D0 = 77.2% and D9 = 55.5%), extractable glomalin-related soil protein (D0 = 0.09 and D9 = 0.11) and bacterial diversity (D0 = 7.3 and D6 = 5.3). D0 15Y samples presented differences in microbial biomass nitrogen (D0: 232.0) and bacterial diversity (D0: 7.9, D9: 5.6) compared to the dilutions. Bacterial microbiome present in the D0 samples formed distinct clusters as to other samples and correlated with soil aggregation and basal respiration attributes. Results suggest that AMF inoculation and dilution-to-extinction did not affect soil quality indicators preeminently, but the bacterial community is affected and can influence the process of environmental revegetation. A long-term revegetation period is substantial to improve quality indicators and establish the diversity of microorganisms and consequently revegetation in areas impacted by coal mining.

Rate of hyphal spread of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from pigeon pea to finger millet and their contribution to plant growth and nutrient uptake in experimental microcosms

Intercropping is a sustainable agroecological tool known to provide multiple benefits to farmers. Several studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role for the improved grain yields in intercropping systems through facilitative nutrient and water uptake via the common mycorrhizal network (CMN), yet little is known on the rate of hyphal spread. Here we hypothesized that AMF species differ in the rate of extraradical hyphae to spread from one plant to another, thereby affecting the growth of the intercropped plants. To test our hypothesis, we established experimental microcosms in the greenhouse, in which one pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and two finger millet (Eleusine coracana) plantlets were kept in separate pots, connected by soil bridges of 5 or 12 cm length, inaccessible to roots but accessible to fungal hyphae. The pigeon pea plants were pre-inoculated with Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Rhizophagus fasciculatus or Rhizophagus irregularis. All three AMF species led to a strong growth promotion compared to uninoculated control of the short microcosms and more than doubled the biomass of pigeon pea. The biomass as well the phosphorus content of finger millets connected by AMF to the pigeon pea differed with the length of the soil bridge and the species of AMF. By applying 15N isotopes to the soil of pigeon pea pots we revealed that in both lengths of the microcosms R. fasciculatus and C. etunicatum transported nitrogen from pigeon pea to finger millet across distances of up to 12 cm but R. irregularis did not. Furthermore, by destructive sampling, we estimated a hyphal spread of 4.1 mm d−1 by C. etunicatum across a 12 cm soil bridge. We conclude that the row distance between the crops and the choice of AMF species play a crucial role for the application of AMF as biofertilizer.