Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPR) Inoculations on Elaeagnus angustifolia L. in Saline Soil

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are considered highly-efficient agents for conferring salt tolerance in host plants and improving soil fertility in rhizosphere. However, information about the inoculation of beneficial microbes on halophytes in arid and semi-arid regions remains inadequate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of AMF (Glomus mosseae) inoculation, alone or in combination with PGPR (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), on biomass accumulation, morphological characteristics, photosynthetic capacity, and rhizospheric soil enzyme activities of Elaeagnus angustifolia L., a typical halophyte in the northwest of China. The results indicate that, for one-year-old seedlings of Elaeagnus angustifolia L., AMF significantly promoted biomass accumulation in aboveground organs, increased the numbers of leaves and branches, and improved the leaf areas, stem diameters and plant height. AMF-mediated morphological characteristics of aboveground organs favored light interception and absorption and maximized the capacities for photosynthesis, transpiration, carbon dioxide assimilation and gas exchange of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. seedlings in saline soil. AMF also promoted root growth, modified root architecture, and enhanced soil enzyme activities. Elaeagnus angustifolia L. was more responsive to specific inoculation by AMF than by a combination of AMF and PGPR or by solely PGPR in saline soils. Therefore, we suggest that G. mosseae can be used in saline soil to enhance Elaeagnus angustifolia L. seedlings growth and improve soil nutrient uptake. This represents a biological technique to aid in restoration of saline-degraded areas.