Effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi on globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus) micropropagation

The effectiveness of two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal isolates (Glomus intraradices and Glomus viscosum) in sustaining plant growth and the physiological activities of the micropropagated globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) were investigated during acclimatization and 90 days after plant establishment. All the mycorrhizal microplants survived transplant shock thus confirming the positive role of AM fungi colonization on ex vitro establishment. The growth increased in mycorrhizal plants, especially in plants inoculated with Glomus viscosum. Mycorrhizal plantlets showed higher stomatal conductance, which is probably necessary to supply the carbon needs of fungal symbionts. The SPAD (soil plant analysis development) data could be useful for plant management as a predictor for tissue nitrogen levels. The higher SPAD values in mycorrhizal plants are strictly related to a higher photosynthetic potential, and consequently to their better nitrogen nutrient status due to the symbiotic relationship. Regardless of the mycorrhizal performance in the host-fungus combination, the most efficient fungus for the artichoke microplants was Glomus viscosum. © 2012 Taylor & Francis