Influence of Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi species on growth and water status of Para rubber seedlings under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi spores from soil samples collected from mature rubber plantations were isolated and multiplied in pot cultures with Zea mays . The VAM fungi culture where designated N4 and OP9 and GD ( Glomus deserticola ). The plants were laid out in a completely randomized format. Drought stress was induced for four months before the start of the experiment. Leaf water potential (Ψ), Leaf Relative Water Content (RWC) and Water deficit were evaluated. The RWC and water deficit did not show any significant different among the VAM fungi evaluated (p < 0.05). Stressed seedlings of RRIC 45 in the VAM treatments OP9/NS and GD/NS in the drought regime recorded RWC and water deficit that were comparable to their replicates from the wet regimes. More replicates from GT 1 seedlings recorded higher Ψ compared to those from the wet regime. Similarly, Higher RWC and water deficit was exhibited by more replicates of GT 1 seedlings from the drought regime. The interdependent of VAM fungi N4 and roots of seedlings of RRIC 45 resulted in the highest drought tolerance (Ψ and RWC) clone. Similarly, interdependent of VAM fungi with roots of seedlings of GT 1 demonstrated that VAM fungi GD and OP9 are better VAM fungi for drought tolerance GT 1 clone compared. The improvement of replicates under drought regime is attributed to the fact that the VAM fungi a vital role. This study recommends the use of VAM fungi as bio-inoculants in sustainable rubber trees production in marginal rubber growing regions.