Mycorrhiza response and phosphorus acquisition efficiency of sorghum cultivars differing in strigolactone composition

Abstract

Aims

The function of strigolactone isomers in sorghum phosphorus acquisition efficiency (PAE) is still a matter of speculation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cultivar-specific strigolactone composition on sorghum growth indices, responsiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and PAE.

Methods

Two Striga-resistant (orobanchol-producing) and two Striga-susceptible (5-deoxystrigol-producing) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivars were planted with and without AMF inoculation as well as with and without P fertilization. Growth indices and AMF colonization were measured 30 days after sowing from pot trial plants in a growth chamber.

Results

AMF colonization was highest in Tetron and lowest in IS9830, both Striga-resistant cultivars. Conversely, PAE was lowest in Tetron and highest in IS9830 and revealed strong positive relationships with root length, leaf area and shoot DW.

Conclusions

Although the strigolactone composition had no clear general effects on the growth indices of the four different sorghum cultivars, breeders should consider it for combining efficient AM symbiosis and high PAE values.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2WJKMBY