Abstract:

     Trichoderma spp. is a kind of multifunctional probiotics fungus that can stimulate crop growth and increase its capability against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, advanced and systematic global research is very limited in the areas of its plant salt tolerance increase and function mechanism. This paper addresses the impacts of Trichoderma harzianum LTR-2 on NaCl tolerant physiological characteristics of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). Results show that LTR-2 can effectively alleviate growth inhibition and photosynthetic damage of peppermint under 200 mmol/L NaCl stress. The paper also investigates the physiological and biochemical basis of NaCl stress tolerance of LTR-2 inoculated peppermint. Results indicate that LTR-2 can increase antioxidant activity of peppermint and reduce ROS accumulation. It can also increase the activities of plasma membrane (PM) and tonoplast H⁺ATPase and Na+/H+ antiporter and then regulate salt absorption and distribution. These results provide experimental basis for the development and application of peppermint and LTR-2 in saline soil.

Key words: peppermint, Trichoderma harzianum LTR-2, NaCl stress, salt tolerance