| A pot experiment was conducted in this research to study the influence of mycorrhiza on maize growth and its drought tolerance under water stress. The results indicated that good symbiosis could be formed between maize and arbuscular mycorrhizal, and the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal significantly improved maize biomass, plant height, and ground diameter. Compared with non-mycorrhizal plants, the inoculation under drought stress and normal water supply increased plant water use efficiency by 117% and 24.6%, respectively. The SPAD value and soluble protein contents in maize with inoculation were also increased. In addition, the inoculation was favorable for the increase of plant catalase activity. Meanwhile, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly reduced proline and malondialdehyde contents in leaf by 14.1% and 18.9% respectively under drought stress, and 59% and 69% respectively with normal water supply. In conclusion, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could promote the growth of maize, relieve the adverse impact of drought stress on maize growth, and improve the drought resistance capability of maize. |