Variations in the water potential of stem xylem in Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) seedlings treated with mycorrhizal fungi under drought conditions

Abstract

Measures must be taken to reduce the stress caused by water scarcity, which is the greatest obstacle to increasing the success of afforestation in arid areas. Precautions such as site preparation and species change do not ensure sufficient benefits. For this, it is necessary to try alternative methods such as using mycorrhization of seedlings for afforestation. The aim of the present study was to obtain Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) seedlings with high resistance to water stress and ascertain the effects of mycorrhizae on the water potential of water- stressed seedlings. Accordingly, we determined the water potentials of seedlings inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Reduction in soil water content caused a reduction in the water potential of seedlings in all treatment variants. Mycorrhization reduced stress by increasing the water potential of seedlings in drought conditions, thereby enhancing their resistance to water stress.