Are arbuscular-mycorrhizal Alnus incana seedlings more resistant to drought than ectomycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal ones?

• DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa035
• Publication Date: 2020-03-13T20:23:33Z
• Authors: Jouni Kilpeläinen; Pedro J Aphalo; Aitor Barbero-López; Bartosz Adamczyk; Sammi Alam Nipu; Tarja Lehto
• Keywords: Drought Tolerance; Stomatal Conductance; Wilting

Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AMs) prevail in warm and dry climates ectomycorrhizas (EMs) cold humid climates. We suggest that the fungal symbionts benefit their host plants especially corresponding conditions. The hypothesis tested was AM are more drought-resistant than EM or nonmycorrhizal (NM) plants. Grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) seedlings were inoculated with two species of either fungi none. In one controlled-environment experiment, there a watering drought treatment. Another set not watered until permanent wilting. somewhat smaller NM, at early stage treatment, soil-moisture content slightly higher pots. Shoot water potential highest treatment during severe drought, while stomatal conductance photosynthesis did show mycorrhizal effect. lethal-drought set, maintained leaves longer NM plants, survived seedlings. Foliar phosphorus sulfur concentrations remained but potassium, copper iron increased drought. root tannin concentration lower doubled it. Although difference resistance large, supported by better performance short-term Sustained nutrition possible reason for this. Moreover, foliar metal-nutrient may reflect differences nutrient uptake (re)translocation which merit further research. much larger systems appear to protect from differential accumulation needs attention.