Effect of VA mycorrhiza on improving drought and chilling tolerance of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Growth, productivity and water relations of Phaseolus vulgaris L. vat. Flexo were measured in response to mycorrhizal inoculation with Glomus intraradices under both drought and chilling conditions and at different phosphorus levels. Experiments were conducted in a well controlled greenhouse and in a phytotron at the research station of the Institute for Vegetable Science at Durnast, Bavaria, Germany. Growth and yield of water-stressed plants were enhanced by mycorrhiza inoculation depending on the phosphorus level applied to plants. Chilling-stressed plants showed higher leaf water potential in response to mycorrhizal inoculation. Electrolyte leakage of chilled-stressed plants showed no significant effect between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. The results indicate that VA mycorrhiza improves water status during chilling stress and this effect was more pronounced under drought conditions. The effect of VA mycorrhiza at different P-levels on water relations of bean plants under drought and chilling conditions and the effects on growth and yield after recovery from stress are discussed.