Effect of salinity stress on mycorrhizal association and growth response of peanut infected by Glomus mosseae

Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a mutualistic association between fungi and higher plants, and play a critical role in nutrient cycling and stress tolerance. However, much less is known about the mycorrhiza-mediated enhancement in growth and salinity tolerance of the peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) growing in the arid and semi-arid areas. Therefore, mycorrhizal status of Glomus mosseae in diverse salinity levels on original substrate soil conditions was investigated. Different growth parameters, accumulation of proline content and salt stress tolerance were studied. These investigations indicated that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could improve growth of peanuts under salinity through enhanced nutrient absorption and photosynthesis. Chlorophyll content and leaf water content were increased significantly under salinity stress by the inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi. Tolerance of the plants to salinity was increased and the mycorrhizal association was found highly effective in enhancing peanut growth and establishment in soils under salinity and deficient in phosphorus.