Combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi and plant growth promoting bacteria improves growth and nutrient uptake efficiency of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants

The study aimed to investigate the effects of commercially available AMF inoculate (a mixture of Rhizophagus intraradices, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mossea, Funneliformis geosporum, Rhizophagus clarus) and plant growth promoting bacteria (Rhizobium leguminosarum and Burkholderia sp.), either supplied individually or in combination with each other, on growth, root morphology and nutrient uptake capabilities in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants. Inoculated and non-inoculated pea plants were subjected to three levels of salinity (0, 20 and 50 mM) by the addition of sodium chloride into tap water. Morphology of root system was analyzed and dry matter of roots and shoots were individually measured several times during the growing cycle in randomly selected plants. The dry matter of roots and shoots was mixed together and concentration of N, P, K and Na was analytically determined. The raise of salinity in the irrigation water has strongly diminished the growth of pea plants by significantly reducing the weight, length, and surface area of root system, and deteriorating its nutrient capabilities. The inoculation of either AM fungi or PGPB in the growing substrate has contributed to alleviating the salinity stress effects through promoting growth and enhancing nutrient uptake capabilities of the root system. The combined application of AM fungi and PGPB could further enhance the nutrient uptake capabilities of pea plants under adverse salinity conditions