Effects on growth of persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) rootstock of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species

Abstract

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is grown in many parts of the world that display subtropical climate conditions, including Turkey. There are 2 common rootstocks used in its production: D. kaki and D. virginiana Thunb. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), a symbiosis between plant roots and members of an ancient phylum of fungi, Glomeromycota, improves root development, water supply, and nutrients such as phosphate and zinc in the host plant. In this study, the effects of 5 AM fungi species (Glomus mosseae, G. clarium, G. etunicatum, G. caledonium, and G. intraradices) on plant growth, chlorophyll concentration, and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv'/Fm') in D. virginiana were investigated under greenhouse conditions. We determined that mycorrhizal inoculations increased shoot and root dry weight compared to the noninoculated plants. Plants inoculated with G. etunicatum showed the highest total plant dry weight. Highest leaf chlorophyll concentration was measured in a plant inoculated with G. caledonium. The results of chlorophyll fluorescence were similar for all AM inoculations; however, they significantly differed from those of noninoculated plants. The results demonstrated the benefit potential of mycorrhizal inoculations for persimmon production.