Comparing the effects of different mycorrhizal species on physiological development and mycorrhizal dependency of citrus plant

The research aimed to determine the effects of different mycorrhizal species and natural mycorrhizal spores obtained from two distinct environments on the physiological development and mycorrhizal dependency of citrus seedlings. In this study, four mycorrhizal species (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, Claroideoglomus etunicatumand, Rhizophagus clarus) and indigenous mycorrhizal spores obtained from the rhizosphere of weeds existing in the Menekşe (Typic xerorthent) and Menzilat (Typic xerofluvent) soil series, specific to the Çukurova Region of Türkiye, were used to determine their effects on the physiological development and mycorrhizal dependencies of citrus seedlings. Cl. etunicatum species spore inoculation enhanced plant root growth in the Menzilat series, while Fu. mosseae inoculation increased seedling root development in the Menekşe series. In addition, Rh. irregularis mycorrhiza spores were successful in root development in the same soil series. Indigenous mycorrhizae spores were isolated from both the Menekşe and Menzilat soil series and successfully inoculated onto sour orange seedlings to promote growth. However, the indigenous mycorrhiza obtained from the Menzilat series was more efficient in both soil series, particularly in seedling root development. The highest mycorrhizal dependency was determined in Fu. mosseae inoculation in the Menekşe soil and Cl. etunicatum inoculation in the Menzilat soil at 96% and 84%, respectively.