The interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizae and salicylic acid modulates growth and flowering response of statice (Limonium sinuatum [L.] Mill.)

The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and salicylic acid in the cultivation of statice flowers presents a promising ecofriendly approach to enhancing crop health and productivity. Mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient uptake leading to improve growth and flowering while salicylic acid application boosts the plant’s innate defence mechanisms towards diseases and abiotic stresses, and promotes root development for better nutrient absorption. Hence, this study evaluates the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and salicylic acid treatment on statice ( Limonium sinuatum [L.] Mill.) cv. Qis White. The investigation involves two primary factors: mycorrhizal inoculation and salicylic acid concentration. The mycorrhizal inoculation of Funneliformis mossae, Gigaspora margarita , and a mixture of both fungi were compared with the untreated control. Furthermore, the study also assesses three doses of salicylic acid (100, 150 and 200 mg L −1 ), alongside the untreated control. The results indicated that statice plants benefited from mycorrhizal inoculation, particularly with Funneliformis mosseae , when paired with salicylic acid at 200 mg L −1 . This was further validated by principal component analysis. AMF inoculated plants showed improved growth, and superior flower qualities compared to non-inoculated plants. Additionally, the application of salicylic acid also demonstrated positive effects over various parameters. Mycorrhization led to a delay of 4 to 9 days in the flowering time of statice. In conclusion, flower production of statice can be improved by choosing the appropriate mycorrhizal inoculum and optimal salicylic acid concentrations.