Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus species on some growth and biochemical traits and nutrients uptake in the rooting of cutting of olive cultivars

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are one of the most important mycorrhizal symbioses in plants that improve the inorganic nutrition and growth. These fungi act as biofertilizers, bioregulators and bioprotectors. In this research, in order to evaluate the effect of Glomus mosseae‌ and G. intraradices on rooting and growth of olive (Olea europaea L.) cuttings in two cultivars Koroneiki and Yellow, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD) in two factors (olive cultivars and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species) and three replications was done. The results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation create root colonization and colonization severity (the amount of mycorrhizal fungus penetration in the root) in both cultivars. Interaction effect of cultivar and fungi species was significant on all measured traits. Cultivar G. mosseae was significantly superior compared to cultivar G. intraradices and non-inoculated treatment in enhancing all measured traits except for proportion of shoot dry weight to root. Also, the concentration and uptake of phosphorus, iron, potassium and magnesium in leaves and whole plant increased in mycorrhizal treatments. According to the obtained results, it is recommended to use G. mosseae for acceleration of the rooting of cutting and establishment in olive cultivars.