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The effect of magnesium ions on the vesicular—arbuscular mycorrhizal infection of maize roots
Author(s) -
GRYNDLER M.,
VEJSADOVÁ H.,
VANČURA V.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1992.tb00073.x
Subject(s) - magnesium , potassium , nutrient , colonization , calcium , sodium , osmotic pressure , agronomy , biology , phosphorus , chemistry , chloride , zoology , botany , horticulture , ecology , organic chemistry
summary The effect of magnesium sulphate on the colonization of maize roots by a vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus was studied in hydroponic culture. Increased concentration of MgSO 4 in the nutrient solution caused an increase in the percentage of root length infected. The highest infection levels were found when nutrient solutions contained 5 84–11.68 mmol 1 −1 of MgSO 4 . Root colonization was stimulated by the increased concentration of magnesium but not calcium or potassium ions in the nutrient solution. No significant difference occurred in the percentage of root length infected when magnesium chloride was replaced by magnesium sulphate. A broad range of magnesium sulphate concentrations did not cause significant differences in plant biomass. The stimulation of root colonization by magnesium cannot be explained by changes in pH or osmotic pressure of the nutrient solution.