In the present study, Funneliformis mosseae (FM), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CE), and Acaulospora foveata (AF) were inoculated to hybrid maize (Zea mays L. cv. CP888®). Upregulation of nitrogen levels were dependent on the type of mycorrhiza (AMF). Photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and water content in FM- and AF-inoculated plants were elevated, resulting in promotion of leaf area and shoot biomass. N content in the shoot and root tissues of the FM-inoculated plants increased by 21% and 30% over the control. A positive correlation between biochemical, physiological, and morphological parameters using Pearson's coefficient was demonstrated. A decline in lipid peroxidation was noticed in the FM-inoculated plants. In addition, we investigated the potential of N fertilizer application in combination with FM inoculation in maize plants. The FM-inoculated plants with organic O_LT, a chicken manure fertilizer, increased N content in the host shoots by 73% over the control, leading to improved Fv/Fm as a physiological adaptation strategy. The FM and the O_LT on the regulation of the N enhancement and photosynthetic efficiency of the hybrid maize should further be validated in field trials in different environments for sustainability.
Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; maize; nitrogen content; organic fertilizer; photosynthetic efficiency.