Effect of the herbicide MCPA on VA mycorrhizal infection and growth of Pisum sativum

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Abstract
The effect of the hormonal herbicide MCPA on VA mycorrhizal infection and on pea plant growth was examined. Plant growth was decreased by MCPA applied at the rate of 120 ppm. The VA infections of pea roots inoculated with G. mosseae was decreased by the MCPA when applied at high dosis (120 ppm), but those of indigenous endophytes were decreased at the rate of 12 and 120 ppm. MCPA applied to VA inoculated pots eight weeks before pea planting also decreased the VA infection of these plants. These results suggest that VA mycorrhizas was affected not only through the plant but also directly by the application of the herbicide.Glomus mosseae may help plants recover from the deleterious effect of MCPA when applied at intermediary (12 ppm) but not at high dosis (120 ppm).