Abstract:

Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree) seedlings were exposed to Al³⁺ levels of 0, 0.5, 8 and 15 mmol·L ^-1 in acid solutions for 10 weeks. We evaluated if arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) and its host’ growth could be responsible for the tolerance to acid solutions with different Al³⁺ level. The results showed that as far as morphology and biomass of aboveground and belowground were concerned, mycorrhizal plants had higher resistance to Al than non-mycorrhizal plants with 0 and 0.5 mmol·L^-1Al³⁺ in acid solutions; mycorrhizal plants appear better or similar with non-mycorrhizal plants with 8 and 15 mmol·L^-1 Al³⁺ in acid solutions. Mycorrhiza significantly increased ZR contents of leaves and IAA & ZR contents of roots, decreased ABA contents of leaves and roots. At the same time, the index of growth, morphology and P content is significantly correlated with phytohormones contents in different organs. Our results indicated the AM fungal consortium confer Al resistance to camphor tree seedlings.

Key words: aluminum (Al), arbuscular mycorrhiza, Cinnamomum camphora, growth, phytohormone