[Influence of arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi on growth and cu uptake of Elsholtzia splendens].

A pot culture experiment was carried out to study the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and Cu uptake of E. splendens. Five levels of Cu (0, 50, 100, 200, 400mg x kg(-1)) and two AM fungal inocula, Glomus caledonium 90036 (36) and Acaulospora mellea ZZ (ZZ), and one nonmycorrhizal inoculum (CK), were applied to the soil under sterilized conditions. The plants were harvested after 60 days of growth. Although decreasing with the increase of Cu levels, root infection rates of all the mycorrhizal plants were >50%, which showed that AM fungi colonized E. splendens roots easily. Shoot and root dry matter yields were all increased by two AM inocula at all Cu levels. Shoot Cu concentrations in the plants treated with two AM inocula increased at 200mg x kg(-1) Cu level and below, but did not change significantly at 400mg x kg(-1) Cu level. Root Cu concentrations in the plants treated with two AM inocula did not change at 0 mg x kg(-1) Cu level, but decreased at 50 mg x kg(-1) Cu level and above. In comparison with nonmycorrhizal plants, shoot Cu uptake by mycorrhizal plants all increased at any Cu level, while root Cu uptake increased only at 100 mg x kg(-1) Cu level. In general, AM fungal inoculation can increase Cu translocation from roots to shoots and shoot Cu uptake by E. splendens.