Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on growth and reactive oxygen metabolism of tomato fruits under low saline conditions

Land salinization is a major form of land degradation, which is not conducive to the growth and quality of fruits and vegetables. Plant salt tolerance can be enhanced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This study examined the effects of inoculation with PGPR singly or in combination with AMF, on the growth and quality of tomato fruits under low saline conditions. Tomatoes were cultivated in a greenhouse with sterilized soil, inoculated with PGPR, AMF, or co-inoculated with PGPR and AMF, and NaCl solution (1%) was added to the soil. The results indicated that AMF + PGPR decreased the roots and shoot biomass accumulation, and increased the number and fresh biomass in tomato fruits to a certain extent compared with non-inoculated plants. PGPR and AMF mediated the level of reactive oxygen and lipid peroxidation, the accumulation of antioxidants, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, PGPR, AMF, and PGPR + AMF improved the overall osmotic adjustments and accumulation of soluble sugars and soluble proteins. Therefore, the AMF-Funneliformis mosseae and PGPR-Bacillus subtilis can potentially alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress and be applied as a biofertilizer in agricultural practice.