Positive response to inoculation with indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as modulated by barley genotype

Summary

This two-year field trial examined how indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation affects three barley varieties under variable environmental conditions. Grain yield responses to inoculation ranged from 37% to 134% depending on variety and year, with the Concerto and Atlante varieties showing the strongest responses. Changes in AM community structure—particularly increases in Glomus and Septoglomus species—rather than overall fungal diversity, drove barley productivity gains, highlighting the potential for genotype-targeted biofertilisation strategies in sustainable cereal production.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in Italy and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom growing conditions and soil environments. However, the methodology of evaluating indigenous AMF consortia and genotype-specific responses is transferable to UK arable systems, particularly given similar climate vulnerabilities and policy interest in reducing mineral fertiliser dependence in cereals.

Key measures

Grain yield (%), root colonisation rate (%), AM fungal abundance and community composition, root length with arbuscules, multivariate analysis of AMF–genotype–environment interactions

Outcomes reported

The study measured grain yield, root colonisation rates, and shifts in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure across three barley varieties over two growing seasons following indigenous AMF consortium inoculation. Root length containing arbuscules was identified as the strongest predictor of barley productivity.

Topic tags