Influencia de micorrizas arbusculares nativas en la actividad antioxidante de Physalis pubescens bajo estrés salino

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a group of fungi that form root-mediated symbiotic relationships with most terrestrial plants. AMF colonise plant roots by entering the plant cells where an exchange of nutrients takes place between the plant and the fungus. Through this association, AMF benefit the plant by increasing the plant's uptake of nutrients, water and other minerals from the soil, in return, the fungus receives carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis. These fungi also enhance the plant's abiotic stress tolerance and resistance against pathogens. Because of their agricultural benefits, it is important to study these organisms and their mechanisms. This study investigated the impact of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on Physalis pubescens plants under salt stress. We assessed mycorrhizal colonisation in roots, spore density in the mycorrhizosphere, AMF spores were identified and characterised, and antioxidant activity was measured in leaf biomass using the DPPH method. It was hypothesised that AMF-inoculated plants would show higher antioxidant activity. The results showed that P. pubescens plants can form a symbiosis with AMF, but this relationship decreases under high salinity conditions. Spore density was moderate and plants with moderate salt stress and AMF inoculation had lower antioxidant activity. This could be due to the limited time for the formation of a stable symbiosis. In conclusion, although these plants can establish a symbiotic relationship with AMF, their efficacy decreases under high salinity conditions.