P, K, Zn and Cu contents in AMtreated
shoots were greater than those in non-AM shoots under well-watered conditions and drought
stress. N and Ca content were higher under drought stress, while AM symbiosis did not affect the Mg
content. The contents of soluble sugars, proteins, flavonoid and proline were higher in mycorrhizal than
non-mycorrhizal-treated plants under the whole water regime. AM colonization increased the activities
of peroxidase enzyme in treatments, but did not affect the catalase activity in shoots and roots under
well-watered conditions and drought stress. We conclude that AM colonization improved the drought
tolerance of P. vera seedlings by increasing the accumulation of osmotic adjustment compounds, nutritional
and antioxidant enzyme activity. It appears that AM formation enhanced the drought tolerance of
pistachio plants, which increased host biomass and plant growth