Efects on growth of persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) rootstock of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species

Abstract

Persimmon ( Diospyros kaki Tunb.) is grown in many parts of the world that display subtropical climate conditions, includingTurkey. Tere are 2 common rootstocks used in its production: D. kaki and D. virginiana Tunb. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), asymbiosis between plant roots and members of an ancient phylum of fungi, Glomeromycota, improves root development, water supply,and nutrients such as phosphate and zinc in the host plant. In this study, the efects of 5 AM fungi species (Glomus mosseae , G. clarium ,G. etunicatum , G. caledonium , and G. intraradices) on plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, and chlorophyll fuorescence (Fv /Fm )in D. virginiana were investigated under greenhouse conditions. We determined that mycorrhizal inoculations increased shoot androot dry weight compared to the noninoculated plants. Plants inoculated with G. etunicatum showed the highest total plant dry weight.Highest leaf chlorophyll concentration was measured in a plant inoculated with G. caledonium . Te results of chlorophyll fuorescencewere similar for all AM inoculations; however, they signifcantly difered from those of noninoculated plants. Te results demonstratedthe beneft potential of mycorrhizal inoculations for persimmon production.