Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and salinity on growth, biomass, and mineral nutrition of Acacia auriculiformis

The effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus fasciculatum and G. macrocarpum, alone and in combination was investigated on growth, development and nutrition of Acacia auriculiformis. Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 S m(-1) solutions of 1 M NaCl. Both mycorrhizal fungi protected the host plant against the detrimental effect of salinity. The extent of AM response on growth as well as root colonization varied with fungal species, and with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore production was observed with combined inoculation, which resulted in greater plant growth at all salinity levels. AM fungal inoculated plants showed significantly higher root and shoot weights. Greater nutrient acquisition, changes in root morphology, and electrical conductivity of soil in response to AM colonization was observed, and may be possible mechanisms to protect plants from salt stress.