The effect of root-zone flooding on mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal peach seedlings growing in a low P medium was examined. Mycorrhizal seedlings showed relatively faster development prior to flooding and recorded significantly higher concentrations of shoot P, K and Zn and biomass yield. Ethanol accumulation was significantly higher in the taproots of non-mycorrhizal as compared to mycorrhizal plants after 3 days of flooding. A more rapid decline in plant health was also observed in non-mycorrhizal as compared to mycorrhizal seedlings. The presence or absence of the fungal partner led to significant difference in the ratio of roots that remained viable after extended flooding. Therefore, it is clear that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) infection confers limited tolerance to flooding on peach seedlings. This could be due to improved plant nutrition, the suppression of ethanol accumulation in roots and the extension of the duration of root activity in a flooded environment.