Impact of AFM and vermicompost on morphophysiological attributes, seed yield and Arsenic phytoremediation ability in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The impact of mycorrhizal inoculation (M) and vermicompost (V) on heavy metal tolerance and phytoremediation ability has been proven, but the studies concerning the combined effect of M and V in this context are limited. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the single and combined effects of 8% V and inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices on physiological attributes and arsenic (As) accumulation in safflower. Plants grown under 0 and 80 mg kg-1 As in soil. According to the ANOVA analysis, the interactive effect of M and V was significant for the most attributes. The mean comparison of data also showed that the combined treatment more efficiently than single application of V of M improved the dry weight of roots and shoots, Chl a, b, seed yield, P concentration, and P:As ratio in leaves under both non-stress and As stress. In addition, the co-application was better than a single amendment with M and V because it decreased EL levels, As concentration in leaves, and TF but increased total As accumulation in plants and POD activity in leaves of As-stressed plants. The results of this research revealed that even though co-application of M and V is strengthening the phytoremediation ability owing to the increase in dry weight of shoots and roots, it is moderating As toxicity due to the growth dilution effect and consequently improving seed yield.

Impact of AFM and vermicompost on morphophysiological attributes, seed yield and Arsenic phytoremediation ability in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Keywords:

Chlorophyll , Growth dilution effect , P concentration , Total As accumulation , Translocation factor , اثر رقت رشد , تجمع کل آرسنیک , غلظت فسفر , فاکتور انتقال آرسنیک , کلروفیل