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The effects of root colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices on growth, nutrient uptake, respiration, assimilation and transpiration rates of squash plants (Cucurbita pepe, L.) under different water regimes were studied in greenhouse. The plants were subjected to 3 levels of water regimes (23, 46 and 69 ml/pot), 3 weeks after planting. Data showed that mycorrhizal colonization was significantly increased under low irrigated conditions. Shoot and root dry weights were insignificantly different among the treatments. Number of flowers was significantly affected by G. intraradices inoculation and water regime compared with the non-mycorrhizal plants. A slight increase in the root length (m) was recorded compared to that of the nonmycorrhizal ones. Mycorrhizal plants contained significantly higher amount of P and K in shoots than control plants, and also higher amount of N and P in roots than un-inoculated plants. Under low level of water, mycorrhizal plants had higher K content in shoots and N, P contents in roots. Respiration, assimilation and transpiration rates of G. intraradices colonized squash plants were significantly greater than in un-inoculated plants. Results conclusively indicated that mycorrhizal inoculation increased the drought tolerance of squash plants.
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