Thermal Infrared Evaluation of the Influence of an Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus and a Dark Septate Endophytic Fungus on Maize Growth and Physiology

Abstract

Thermal infrared imaging technology was used to understand the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi, both separately and together, on plant growth and physiological status, and to screen and develop efficient microbial agents in a pot experiment design. Eight treatments comprised the control (CK), AMF inoculation alone, DSE fungal treatments (DSE20%, DSE40% and DSE80%; 2, 4, 8 × 105 CFU mL−1) and combined inoculation treatments (DSE20% + AMF, DSE40% + AMF, and DSE80% + AMF). Canopy temperature (Tcanopy) and stomatal conductance (gs) were monitored at different growth stages, and plant biomass-related indicators were obtained at harvest. These indicators were used to assess plant growth and the physiological status resulting from the different inoculation treatments. During plant growth, the plant Tcanopy decreased following inoculation. Differences in Tcanopy between control and inoculated plants were detected by thermal infrared imaging technology and were −3.8 to + 9.3◦C (control– inoculation treatment). Growth index and Tcanopy monitoring indicate that the growth-promoting effect of combined inoculation was higher than that of either fungal type alone, with DSE80% + AMF producing the highest growth promotion. During the growth process of inoculated maize, the effect of inoculated AMF on the physiological condition of maize growth can be better monitored by thermal infrared at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the 31st–57th days of the growth period. The method and results of this experiment are conducive to the rapid and efficient monitoring of the effects of microorganisms on plant growth and physiological status and can be applied to the screening, application, and promotion of microbial agents.