The Positive Influence of AMF on Wheat Growth and Physiology under Drought Conditions

Abstract

Drought is one of the most important environmental stresses threatening wheat yield in the world. With global climate change, it is predicted that the precipitation regime will change and dry periods will increase. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increases drought tolerance in wheat, affecting the physiological and biochemical properties of the plant and may increase yield. An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of nine different AMF, Glomus intraradices, Glomus aggregatum, Glomus mosseage, Glomus clarum, Glomus monosporus, Glomus deserticola, Glomus brasilianum, Glomus tunicatum, Gigaspora margarita on growth and physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) subjected to different water statues. The seeds were sown in pots containing peat were placed in field. When the results of the study were evaluated, all traits were significantly affected by AMF application in dry conditions, except the leaf area. The highest values of plant height, root length, shoot and root dry weight were obtained by application of T3+AMF4. Shoot fresh weight, SPAD and relative water content reached the highest values under control conditions with the highest water (200 ml). The Fv / Fm value gave better results in pots at T4+AMF1. Root fresh weight and leaf area also increased with increasing water dose, and application of AMF to both seed and root gave the best results. The highest lipid peroxidation level in leaves was obtained from T1 + AMF4 application. In addition, it was observed that the proline and flavonoid content in both leaves and roots increased with AMF application in arid conditions.