Formononetin accelerates mycorrhization and increases maize production at low phosphorus application rates

Abstract Abstract: The formononetin biostimulant may be an option for reducing P fertilization once it stimulates mycelial growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and increases plant ability to take up nutrients through the roots, especially phosphorus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of formononetin associated with phosphorus fertilization in maize. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (0, 50 or 70, and 140 kg ha-1 P2O5; and formononetin application rates: 0, 25, 50, and 100 g ha-1), with four replications. Formononetin (100 g ha-1) increased the mycorrhizal colonization rate up to 30% in maize in the first four weeks after emergence when no P fertilizer was applied, and to 17% when 50 or 70 kg ha-1 of P2O5 were applied. The application of 50 and 100 g ha-1 of formononetin significantly increased plant height, ear height, and grain yield (22% - 76%) when no P fertilizer was applied. The use of formononetin in the field stimulates mycorrhizal colonization, has a positive effect on maize yield, and reduces the need for P fertilizer application in maize. However, this effect was evident only at low P soil contents.

摘要：芒柄花黄素（formononetin）生物刺激素或可作为减少磷肥施用的备选方案，因其能够刺激丛枝菌根真菌（arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi）的菌丝生长，并提升植物通过根系吸收养分（尤其是磷素）的能力。本研究旨在评估芒柄花黄素与磷肥配施对玉米的调控效应。试验采用随机区组设计，设置3×4因子试验方案：磷肥（P₂O₅）施用量设为0、50、70及140 kg·ha⁻¹四个水平，芒柄花黄素施用量设为0、25、50及100 g·ha⁻¹四个水平，共设置4次重复。在不施用磷肥的条件下，施用100 g·ha⁻¹芒柄花黄素可使玉米出苗后前4周的菌根定殖率提升最高达30%；在施用50或70 kg·ha⁻¹ P₂O₅的条件下，该定殖率可提升17%。当不施用磷肥时，施用50和100 g·ha⁻¹芒柄花黄素可显著提升玉米株高、穗位高及籽粒产量，增幅达22%~76%。田间施用芒柄花黄素可刺激菌根定殖，对玉米产量产生积极影响，并可降低玉米生产中的磷肥施用量需求。不过该效应仅在土壤磷素含量较低时较为显著。