Differences in the effects of single and mixed species of AMF on the growth and oxidative stress defense in Lolium perenne exposed to hydrocarbons

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous mutualistic plant symbionts that promote plant growth and protect them from abiotic stresses. Studies on AMF-assisted phytoremediation have shown that AMF can increase plant tolerance to the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants by improving plant nutrition status and mitigating oxidative stress. This work aimed to evaluate the impact of single and mixed-species AMF inocula (Funneliformis caledonium, Diversispora varaderana, Claroideoglomus walkeri), obtained from a contaminated environment, on the growth, oxidative stress (DNA oxidation and lipid peroxidation), and activity of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase) in Lolium perenne growing on a substrate contaminated with 0/0-30/120 mg phenol/polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) kg- 1. The assessment of AMF tolerance to the presence of contaminants was based on mycorrhizal root colonization, spore production, the level of oxidative stress, and antioxidative activity in AMF spores. In contrast to the mixed-species AMF inoculum, single AMF species significantly enhanced the growth of host plants cultured on the contaminated substrate. The effect of inoculation on the level of oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidative enzymes in plant tissues differed between the AMF species. Changes in the level of oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidative enzymes in AMF spores in response to contamination also depended on AMF species. Although the concentration of phenol and PAHs had a negative effect on the production of AMF spores, low (5/20 mg phenol/PAHs kg- 1) and medium (15/60 mg phenol/PAHs kg- 1) substrate contamination stimulated the mycorrhizal colonization of roots. Among the studied AMF species, F. caledonium was the most tolerant to phenol and PAHs and showed the highest potential in plant growth promotion. The results presented in this study might contribute to the development of functionally customized AMF-assisted phytoremediation strategies with indigenous AMF, more effective than commercial AMF inocula, as a result of their selection by the presence of contaminants.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of single and mixed-species AMF inocula from a contaminated environment on the growth, oxidative stress, and antioxidative enzyme activity in Lolium perenne on a substrate contaminated with phenol/PAHs. Single AMF species significantly enhanced plant growth while mixed-species AMF inocula showed varying levels of oxidative stress and antioxidative enzyme activity. Among the studied AMF species, F. caledonium exhibited the highest tolerance to contaminants and promoted plant growth effectively.