Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Improves Photosynthesis and Restores Alteration in Sugar Metabolism in Triticum aestivum L. Grown in Arsenic Contaminated Soil

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Arsenic (As) contamination poses significant risks to agricultural soil safety and global food security.
• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) show potential in enhancing plant tolerance to As, but underlying mechanisms require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Rhizophagus intraradices in mitigating As-induced negative effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum) photosynthesis and sugar metabolism.
• To elucidate the physiological and metabolic mechanisms by which AMF symbiosis improves As tolerance in wheat.

Main Methods:

• Wheat plants were subjected to three levels of As (0, 25, 50 mg kg-1) with and without Rhizophagus intraradices inoculation.
• Evaluated photosynthetic pigments, Hill reaction activity, gas exchange parameters, and activities of key sugar metabolism enzymes in wheat leaves.

Main Results:

• As exposure significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency and altered sugar metabolism enzyme activities in wheat.
• Rhizophagus intraradices colonization improved photosynthetic pigment concentration, Hill reaction activity, gas exchange, and water use efficiency.
• AMF symbiosis restored As-induced alterations in sugar metabolism, leading to improved sugar and starch levels in wheat.

Conclusions:

• Rhizophagus intraradices effectively mitigates As-induced physiological and metabolic disturbances in wheat.
• AMF symbiosis represents a promising strategy for the bio-amelioration of As-contaminated agricultural soils.
• This study highlights the potential of AMF in enhancing crop resilience to heavy metal stress.