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Apple (Malus hupehensis) seedlings were grown in sterilized and non-sterilized soil with or without added P and inoculated with Glomus versiforme and G. macrocarpum. In sterilized soil, VAM infection increased the transpiration rate of the leaves, reduced stomatal resistance and permanent wilting percentage, increased the rate of recovery from water stress, and improved plant growth (leaf number, stem diameter and DW). It also increased the absorption of most minerals, especially Zn and Cu, by the roots and reduced the P-Cu and P-Zn interactions. P fertilization had some positive effects on water status, P nutrition and growth, but reduced Cu concentration. The improved water status and enhanced drought tolerance of the trees caused by VAM infection was due to absorption and translocation of water by external hyphae. The efficiency of inoculation in non-sterile soil was not obvious.
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