Ectomycorrhizal fungi enhance the tolerance of phytotoxicity and cadmium accumulation in oak (Quercus acutissima Carruth.) seedlings: modulation of growth properties and the antioxidant defense responses

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), which form symbiotic ectomycorrhiza with tree roots, mediate heavy metal tolerance of host plants. To investigate the roles of EMF in the growth, modulation of oxidative stress, and cadmium (Cd) accumulation and translocation in Quercus acutissima seedlings, ectomycorrhizal seedlings inoculated with Suillus luteus were treated with different Cd concentrations (0.1, and 5 mg kg−1) for 14 days. EMF accelerated seedling growth and Cd accumulation in roots under the highest Cd concentration of 5 mg kg−1. Catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased in the leaves of ectomycorrhizal seedlings under the highest Cd concentration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) trended to increase under both Cd concentrations. Although reduced glutathione (GSH) increased after inoculation of EMF under both Cd concentrations, the release of malondialdehyde increased in the leaves and roots under the highest Cd concentration, indicating that the defense role of EMF in Q. acutissima depends on the Cd concentration. These results indicate that EMF mitigate Cd stress by promoting plant growth and nutrient uptake while modulating the antioxidant system to reduce oxidative stress.