Cultivation Bufellgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) in Symbiosis with Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Produced Mitigation of Drought Stress
Camila Victoria Chiroli
Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis. Ejercito de Los Andes 950, San Luis, Argentina.
Malena Achiary
Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis. Ejercito de Los Andes 950, San Luis, Argentina.
Maria Cecilia Pacheco Insausti
Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis. Ejercito de Los Andes 950, San Luis, Argentina.
Mariano Hernan Gutiérrez
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Sciences, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis,Ruta 148 extremo Norte, Villa Mercedes, San Luis, Argentina.
Mirta Graciela Molina
Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis. Ejercito de Los Andes 950, San Luis, Argentina.
Olga Marcela Ruiz
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Sciences, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis,Ruta 148 extremo Norte, Villa Mercedes, San Luis, Argentina.
Hilda Elizabeth Pedranzani *
Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, Consolidated Research Project 02-2523, National University of San Luis. Ejercito de Los Andes 950, San Luis, Argentina.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: The main objective was to study the symbiosis between Cenchrus ciliaris L. and Rizhophagus intraradices under water stress.
Study Design: The plant-mycorrhizal symbiosis provides hydraulic capacity to the plant, allowing it to be more efficient in arid soils. It also contributes to plant nutrition and improves soils for the recolonization of native species. Plants (P) were grown in a growth chamber with a 16:8 h light/dark cycle and a temperature of 25°C. Half of the plants were inoculated with mycorrhizae (AM), while the rest were not (NM). The treatments were 100%, 60%, and 40% water (drought levels).
Study Location and Duration: The study was conducted in the Plant Physiology Laboratory, in the Ecology Area of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, from March to November 2024.
Methodology: Morphological parameters were measured: length (L), fresh weight (FW), and dry weight (DW) of the aerial parts (A) and roots (R); physiological and biochemical parameters: photosynthetic pigments, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA), were also measured.
Results: No differences in mycorrhization were found between dyed roots of control, 60%, and 40% drought. Morphophysiological parameters were higher in AM plants compared to NM plants. Proline increased at 40% drought in NM plants, while it remained stable in AM plants. MDA decreased significantly in AM plants compared to NM plants, in all drought and control treatments.
Conclusion: Mycorrhization conferred protection against stress. Mycorrhizae mitigate water stress in Buffel forage plants (C. ciliaris L.), a species recommended for semi-arid and arid environments in Argentina.
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizae, Cenchrusciliaris, Rizhophagusintraradices, water stress