Role of Suillus placidus in Improving the Drought Tolerance of Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) Seedlings

Masson pine is an important afforestation species in southern China, where seasonal drought common. The present study focused on the effects of Suillus placidus, ectomycorrhizal fungus, inoculation growth and physiological biochemical performance masson seedlings under four different watering treatments (well-watered, mild drought, moderate severe drought) to evaluate symbiotic relationship between S. placidus seedlings. Ectomycorrhizal-inoculated (ECM) non-inoculated (NM) were grown pots maintained for 60 days using weighing method. Results showed that seedlings’ growth, dry weight, RWC, chlorophyll content, PSII efficiency, photosynthesis decreased as stress intensified both ECM NM plants. This suggests significantly limits photosynthetic Nevertheless, increased An/gs proline contents prevented oxidative damage caused by stress. In addition, peroxidase (POD) activity essential defense mechanism seedling Compared with NM, faster higher performance, lower lipid peroxidation cell membranes stress, indicated POD malondialdehyde (MDA). Our experiment found can enhance resistance increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, water use thereby enhancing water-deficiency conditions. be used cultivate high-quality improve their survival regions experience droughts.