An asexual Epichloe endophyte modifies the nutrient stoichiometry of wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) under salt stress

Salinization of soils causes severe problems to plant growth. With the important role of stoichiometry in many ecological processes, this study investigated the effect of an asexual EpichloA << endophyte on the nutrient stoichiometry of wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) under salt stress. Plants with (E+) and without endophyte (E-) were subjected to different NaCl treatments (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 mM). After 15 days, the dry weight as well as the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) contents in the plants were determined. Salt stress significantly reduced the growth and nutrient absorption of wild barley. The biomass as well as the N, P and K+ contents were higher while the Na+ content was lower in E+ plants than in E- plants. However, there was no significant effect on C content between E+ and E- plants. The findings also showed that E+ plants had lower ratios of C:N, C:P, Na+:K+ and a higher ratio of N:P than E- plants. The EpichloA << endophyte played an important role in maintaining the growth of the host plants by promoting nutrient absorption and adjusting the ionic balance. The results have enhanced knowledge of the application of endophytes that will enable better crop production and ecological conservation.