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

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.

Automated summary

It has been found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis can enhance the absorption and accumulation of boron (B) in plants and improve resistance to adverse environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AMF on B absorption and colonization efficiency under B deficiency stress. Camellia oleifera seedlings were grown in normal and boron-deficient substrates and inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or left uninoculated. The results showed that AMF inoculation increased plant biomass, B content, B accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activity in both normal and boron-deficient seedlings. In addition, B deficiency resulted in decreased AMF root colonization efficiency and inhibited the growth and physiological activity of the seedlings. These findings suggest that AMF inoculation can enhance the resistance to B-deficiency stress and play a cooperative role with B in the growth and physiological functions of plants. The results provide a theoretical basis for addressing B-deficiency stress in C. oleifera and other plants' cultivation.