Native Mycorrhizal Fungi for Salt Tolerance and Nutrient Uptake in Tomato Plants

Summary

This study evaluated two native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species isolated from Iraqi saline soils for their ability to enhance tomato productivity under salt stress. Rhizoglomus intraradices outperformed Glomus mosseae, substantially increasing plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant defences whilst reducing osmotic stress markers. The findings suggest native AMF inoculation represents a sustainable, low-cost approach to mitigate salinity constraints in tomato cultivation across arid and semi-arid regions.

Regional applicability

Whilst this study was conducted in Iraq, the findings have potential relevance to United Kingdom horticultural practice in managing soil salinity in protected cropping systems, particularly in regions with legacy soil contamination or where saline irrigation water is used. However, direct transfer to UK temperate conditions would require validation, as native AMF communities and soil ecology differ substantially from Iraqi arid soils.

Key measures

Plant height, plant biomass, phosphorus uptake, potassium uptake, proline accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, soil phosphatase activity

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the effects of two native AMF species (Glomus mosseae and Rhizoglomus intraradices) on tomato plant growth, nutrient uptake, stress markers, and soil microbial activity under saline conditions. Rhizoglomus intraradices demonstrated superior performance, increasing plant height and biomass by over 30%, enhancing phosphorus and potassium uptake by 43% and 36% respectively, and reducing proline accumulation by 28%.

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