The Synergistic Effects of AMF Inoculation and Boron Deficiency on the Growth and Physiology of Camellia oleifera Seedlings

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis has been shown to improve the ability to obtain nutrients and resist adverse environmental conditions. However, there are few studies on the functions of AMF in the absorption and accumulation of boron (B). Moreover, it is still unclear whether the root colonization rates of AMF are limited by B deficiency. In this study, Camellia oleifera seedlings were planted in normal and boron-deficient substrates, and the seedlings were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or left uninoculated. The growth and physiological indices of C. oleifera seedlings were determined. The results of this experiment indicate that AMF inoculation increased the plant biomass, B content, B accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activity in both normal and boron-deficient C. oleifera seedlings. Furthermore, boron deficiency resulted in a decrease in the AMF root colonization efficiency and the inhibition of C. oleifera seedlings’ growth and physiological activity. These findings suggest that AMF inoculation could improve the resistance to B-deficiency stress. Additionally, the colonization efficiency of AMF was adversely affected by B deficiency; thus, AMF play a cooperative role with B in the growth and physiological functions of plants. The results provide a theoretical basis for taking measures to solve B-deficiency stress in C. oleifera and other plants’ cultivation.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve selenium uptake by modulating root transcriptome of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

“…cv. Chang Lin 40) seedlings ( Liu et al., 2023 ). AMF have also been shown to increase the availability of Fe in the soil by stimulating the secretion of phenolic acids from the roots of quince ( Cydonia oblonga Mill.…”

Strategies for Tree Improvement under Stress Conditions

“…The trace element boron has been shown to be essential for woody plants overcoming stress conditions [21]. Liu et al uncovered the effects of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation on C. oleifera seedlings under normal and boron deficient conditions and found that AMF inoculation improves boron deficiency resistance and that AMF colonization is influenced by boron availability [22].…”