Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi on the Growth Characteristics, Root Morphology, and Ion Distribution of Pyrus betulaefolia Bunge under Saline-Alkaline Stress

In this study, Pyrus betulaefolia Bunge seedlings were used to investigate the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus (AMF; Funneliformis mosseae) on plant-growth characteristics, root morphology, salt tolerance, and ion distribution under saline-alkaline stress. An indoor pot experiment was conducted in which seedlings were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae under treatments of four different concentrations of Na(2)CO(3 )solution. The results show that AMF could establish symbiotic relations with the P. betulaefolia root system under Na2CO3 stress. Under the same Na2CO3, stress, AMF significantly increased the height growth and biomass accumulation of P betulaefolia seedlings. AMF also promoted the root growth of P. betulaefolia seedlings. AMF inoculation significantly affected the absorption and distribution of K+ and Na+ in P. betulaefolia. The K/Na ratios in the roots and leaves of seedlings inoculated with AMF were higher than those of seedlings without inoculation. The results of this study show that inoculation with AMF had a positive effect on enhancing the saline-alkaline tolerance of P. betulaefolia, and root treatment of P. betulaefolia seedlings with Funneliformis mosseae has the potential for application in the development of saline-alkaline soil vegetation.