Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improve Growth and Phosphate Nutrition of Acacia seyal (Delile) under Saline Conditions

Abstract

Many plant species adapted to semi-arid environments are grown in the Sahelian region in northern Africa. One such species is Acacia seyal (Delile), a multipurpose leguminous tree grown in various agroecological zones, including saline soils. These challenging arid and semi-arid environments harbor a diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities that can develop symbiotic associations with plants to improve their hydromineral nutrition. This study compared the effects of native AMF communities isolated from semi-arid sites (high, moderate, and low salinity zones Ndiafate, Ngane, and Bambey, respectively) and the AMF Rhizoglomus aggregatum on the development and phosphate nutrition of A. seyal seedlings subject to three salinity treatments (0, 340, and 680 mM). Plant height, dry matter weight of the shoots and roots, and phosphorus uptake from the soil were measured. Plants inoculated with AMF native species from each site that were provided with up to 340 mM of NaCl had greater shoot height than plants grown under 680 mM salinity. At NaCl concentrations above 340 mM, shoot and root development of A. seyal seedlings diminished. However, dry matter production of shoots (7%) and roots (15%) improved following AMF inoculation compared with the control (respectively 0.020 and 0.07 g for shoots and roots). When inoculated with AMF isolates from the high salinity zone (Ndiafate), phosphate content/nutrition was increased by 10% around 30 days after inoculation compared with non-inoculated seedlings (2.84 mg/kg of substrate). These results demonstrate that native AMF inoculants are capable of helping plants withstand environmental constraints, especially those exposing plants to harsh climatic conditions. We discuss insights on how AMF influences the interplay between soil phosphorus and perceived salinity that may have implications for broader relationships between plants and symbiotic fungi.

Mycorrhizae set the stage for plants to produce a higher production of biomolecules and stress-related metabolites: a sustainable alternative of agrochemicals to enhance the quality and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

“…In some studies, it is reported that mycorrhizae, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), could be used to enhance plant growth, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and ultimately productivity (Khaliq et al, 2022 ). The AMF is among the best examples of obligate symbionts, where the fungal partner provides water to the plant and absorbs nutrients from the soil for the host (Manga et al, 2022 ). In an agricultural context, AMF alters the soil structure by crosslinking highly dense mycelium with soil particles, which reduces soil erosion, and enhances soil water retention capacity (Leifheit et al, 2014 ).…”

Integrated use of organic amendments increased mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) yield and its components compared to inorganic fertilizers

“…The nutritional and functional contribution of mungbean for human health is important because of its high levels in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals as well as secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids and isoflavones (Dahiya et al., 2015). Mungbean is well suited to many cropping systems due to its short growth cycle (60–65 days), low water and nitrogen (N) requirements, ability to improve soil fertility through N fixation, and sustain productivity of subsequent crops in subsistence agriculture (Dey et al., 2016; Diatta et al., 2020; Keatinge et al., 2011; Manga et al., 2022; Senaratne et al., 1995). Nevertheless, the yield and quality of mungbean can be enhanced by the proper use of organic amendments.…”