Influence of Mycorrhizae and Drought Stress on Growth of Poncirus × Citrus Seedlings

Abstract

Roots of Carrizo citrange seedlings were inoculated with the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus intraradices or provided an inoculum filtrate (non-VAM plants). Plants were exposed to drought stress after transplanting into large containers filled with a phosphorus amended medium (30 mg g -1 ). Drought stress caused reduction of phosphorus in leaf tissues and dry matter accumulation in VAM plants. However, phosphorus levels, dry weights, and transpiration of VAM seedlings were greater than non-VAM plants. Mychorrhizal infection appears to improve establishment of citrus into transplant situations by improving phosphorus uptake and reducing plant stress.