M. Masri and H. Azizah
Abstract
Alterations to root system characteristics and nutrient uptake of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) seedlings in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation were studied. Weight-related parameters were unsuccessful in detecting small changes in infected roots. Tap-root penetration, root dry weight and root-to-shoot ratio were not influenced by AM inoculation. However, AM inoculation induced significant changes to length-related characteristics. In comparison with the uninoculated controls, AM inoculation increased root length density by 58–87%, root branching density by 20–30%, number of root tips by 22–25% and number of laterals by 15–26%. Positive alterations to root system were accompanied by tremendous increase in nutrient uptake. Uptakes of P, Zn and Cu were 67–88, 50–93 and 34–37% higher in inoculated seedlings. These results indicate that improved growth and nutrient uptake of the AM-inoculated seedlings were due to positive alterations of root system characteristics by the symbiosis.
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