Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi on morphological and physiological characteristics of Pistacia khinjuk under drought stress

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) on morphological and physiological characteristics of Pistacia khinjuk under drought stress were studied in Ilam, Iran. First, the mycorrhizae fungi associated with Pistacia khinjuk trees were isolated and identified and then their effects on morphological and physiological characteristics of Pistacia khinjuk under greenhouse condition were assayed. It was found that survival of seedling was not affected by mycorrhizae and irrigation, but other physiological and morphological characteristics were affected, separately. Therefore, mycorrhizae as well as irrigation increased root collar diameter, seedling height, terminal growth, leaf number, refresh weight of shoot and root, root volume, leaf area, photosynthesis and transpiration. In contrast to irrigation, AMF didn’t effect on root length, root dry weight, leaf surface temperature, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis. So, we can propose that in dry and sub dry region, for best success in afforestation, seedling is better to be associated with AMF.