The Effects of Mycorrhizal Inoculation On Drought Stress Tolerance of Corn Plants.

Mycorrhizal fungi alter plant-water relations in several ways, but the potential role of the fungal hyphae as regulators of plant water uptake remains a controversial issue. Many mycorrhizal inoculants have been introduced into the market that claim they have the ability to improve water uptake, thereby reducing drought stress. Since irrigation water is becoming increasingly scarce and global climate changes are creating weather pattern fluctuations, these products are receiving considerable attention; however, the effect of soil type, specific crop, and weather patterns on the ability of the mycorrhizae to affect plant-water relations is largely unknown. This project examined the drought response of mycorrhizal inoculation using MycoApply® Endo on corn (Zea mays L). Soil moisture data were collected for inoculated vs. un-inoculated corn plants using a mini-tensiometer.