PJB-2017-809
Mesorhizobium ciceri-CR-39 inoculation to wheat for drought tolerance at critical growth stages
Muhammad Baqir Hussain
Abstract
Sandy soils are known for dry spells due to low rainfall in arid-semiarid climatic regions. A study was conducted to identify the effectiveness of moderately drought tolerant and characteristically plant growth promoting bacterial strain Mesorhizobium ciceri-CR-39 for improving growth, physiology, nutrition and yield of wheat (cultivar: Sahar) under drought at critical growth stages (tillering, flowering, and grain filling) in a sandy loam. Results demonstrated significant decreases due to drought at all critical growth stages. However, inoculation with Mesorhizobium ciceri-CR-39 significantly reduced the impact of drought at either growth stage of the crop. Grain filling stage drought showed highest decreases in growth, physiology, yield and nutrient concentrations. Inoculation significantly improved the parameters relating to plant photosystem, growth, biomass, yield and nutrient concentrations under normal conditions followed by the plants experiencing drought at tillering stage. Conclusively, Mesorhizobium ciceri-CR-39 significantly demonstrates its potential as a plant growth promoter for wheat under drought due to stress tolerance, more root colonization, nutrient solubilization, and auxin and exopolysaccharides production ability. However, field oriented studies are recommended for gauging its potential.
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