Nitrification inhibitors are commonly used to prevent nitrate leaching. However, the use of nitrification inhibitors is not free of side-effects. Some may be absorbed by the plant and cause phytotoxicity or even affect the food chain. Therefore, a solution that limits the absorption of nitrification inhibitors and its accumulation by the plant may mitigate health and environmental issues potentially associated with high levels of nitrification inhibitors. This solution may relay in the modulation of the plant’s metabolism through the interaction with specific fungal partners. This work tested the hypothesis that the symbiotic interaction between fungi and plant roots can reduce the destructive effects of the nitrification inhibitor Dicyandiamide (DCD) in plants by reducing the uptake of nitrification inhibitors. A greenhouse experiment was conducted, using a complete randomized block design, to test the effect of symbiotic fungi (plants inoculated with Piriformospora indica, Glomus etunicatum, and Glomus mosseae and noninoculated) on the phytotoxicity of DCD applied at four concentrations (0, 5, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 soil). Latuca sativa, cultivar Siyahoo, was selected for this experiment due to its economic value all over the world. The use of high DCD concentrations (100 mg kg−1 soil) affected the leaf chlorophyll content and plant growth in a manner that was significantly mitigated by the symbiosis of the plant with the fungal partner. These results highlight the benefits of using symbiotic fungal inoculants as plant protectors against the phytotoxic effects of DCD.
Soil contamination with nitrification inhibitors has received a lot of attention in the last few decades due to their potential toxic effects on the plant and soil, but no action has been taken to control and eliminate contamination with nitrification inhibitors. This work tested the hypothesis that symbiotic interactions between fungi and plant roots can reduce the negative effects of the nitrification inhibitor 1, 2, 4-Triazole (TZ) in plants by reducing its uptake. A greenhouse experiment was conducted, using a complete randomized design, to test the effect of symbiotic fungi (Serendipita indica, Glomus etunicatum and mosseae) on the phytotoxicity of TZ applied at four concentrations (Control, 5, 50 and 100 mg / kg soil). Lactuca sativa, cultivar Siyahoo, was selected for this experiment due to its economic value all over the world. HPLC results the concentration of TZ nitrification inhibitor in lettuce leaves was very important. It was found that plants colonized with symbiotic fungi had lower levels of TZ compared to non-colonized plants. Plants treated with S. indica had 65 and 75 percent lower TZ levels (at 50 and 100 mg / kg, respectively) compared with non-colonized plants. TZ at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg / kg also caused a sharp decrease in root colonization, chlorophyll, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves and root growth.
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