The study of morphological and biochemical responses of some mycorrhizae-inoculated turfgrass species to lead stress

Cultivation of appropriate cover plants could be important on managing polluted soil and water with heavy metals. In the present study, effects of two mycorrhizae species (Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae) on lead accumulation, improving growth parameters and enzymatic antioxidant system of four cool-season turfgrass species, Festuca aurandiance, Festuca ovina, Lolium perenne, and Agropyron elongatum were investigated.Mycorrhizae inoculated plants were treated with different lead concentrations (0, 2000 and 3000 µM). Results showed that mycorrhizae fungus, especially G. intraradices has potential to colonizing with roots of different turfgrass species under lead polluted soil. The highest colonization percentage was found with Agropyron elongatum species. Mycorrhizae fungi led to an increase in root and shoot dry weight and Pb uptake at all studied turfgrass species. The maximum Pb uptake was found in Festuca aurandiance whichinoculated by G. intraradices. Furthermore, mycorrhizae fungi could suppress increasing of leaf H2O2 andmalondialdehyde when exposed to lead stress and increased antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in all turfgrass species. Overall, mycorrhizae could increase lead accumulation by enhancing enzymatic antioxidant system and improving turfgrass growth without observing any damage symptoms.