Tolerance of mycorrhized banana (Musa sp. cv. Pacovan) plantlets to saline stress

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to increase plant tolerance to abiotic stress, in particular soil salinity. Isolates of Acaulospora scrobiculata Trappe, Glomus clarum Nicolson & Schenck and Glomus etunicatum Becker & Gerdemann were investigated under glasshouse conditions. Inoculated banana plants (Musa sp. cv. Pacovan) showed higher nutrient contents and growth rates than the controls. G. clarum was particularly efficient as growth promoter, and improved the dry weight of root (80%), shoot (83%), and the total leaf area (60%) compared to non-inoculated plants. The salt tolerance of banana as measured by leaf number and plant height increased considerably in presence of Glomus isolates. Inoculation with specific AMF therefore constitutes an alternative method to reduce banana plant stress caused by soil salinization.