Effects of VA fungi on the growth of apple seedling

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of VA fungi on seedling growth of one-year-old apple trees (Maluspumila Mill) rhizosphere soil. 50, 100 and 150 mL VA fungi agent were applied into surroundings of root system when apple trees weretransplanted, respectively. The results showed that VA fungi significantly enhanced the colonization rate of fungi in the root, increased plant height and improved seedling’s nutritional status compared to the control. Compared the seedling with no application of VA inoculum, VA fungi strengthened the disease resistance of seedling, such as increased the activities of CAT and SOD, decreased MDA content. Due to the reinforcement of VA fungi, the survival rates of 50 mL and 150 mL treatments were both increased to 100%. It is proposed that 150 mL agent of VA fungi per tree was the best choice for the growth and survival rate of apple seedlings.