POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES ON VESICULAR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION OF ALFALFA

The production of hydrolytic enzymes such as pectinases, cellulases and hemicellulases by extracts of spores of Glomus mosseae was observed. The possible involvement of hydrolytic enzymes in the process of root infection by G. mosseae in Medicago sativa plants grown under axenic conditions was studied. The presence of pectin or Na-pectate substrate in the rooting medium delayed the beginning of mycorrhizal infection and decreased the plateau of the infection curves. Hemicellulose substrate (Locust bean) had no effect on VA infection. Carboxymethyl cellulose at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.6% decreased VA infection from the beginning of the experiment. The possible influence of hydrolytic enzymes in the mechanisms of penetration of VA fungus into plant root cells is discussed. © 1990.