Effects of Water Deficit Stress and Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Azospirillum lipoferum Biofertilizers on Yield and Morphological Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars

Authors

Mehdi Rashnou, Department of Agriculture, Fir.C., Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, IranFollow
Farshid Aref, Department of Agriculture, Fir.C., Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, Iran
Bahram Amiri, Department of Agriculture, Fir.C., Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, IranFollow
Masoud Rafiee, Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREO, Khorramabad, Iran
Mahdi Zare, Department of Agriculture, Fir.C., Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, Iran

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Abstract

Crop production in various parts of Iran faces significant constraints due to insufficient water availability, which is a major challenge to agricultural productivity. To study the effects of water deficit stress on shoot and root growth characteristics and seed yield of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications. The main factor was irrigation treatments (full irrigation during the growing season [S1], water withholding after flowering [S2], and water withholding after grain filling at the milk stage [S3]). The secondary factors were wheat cultivars (Chamran and Behrang) and biofertilizers (no biofertilizer [control], mycorrhiza, mycorrhiza + Azotobacter chroococcum, and mycorrhiza + Azospirillum lipoferum). Results showed that full irrigation during the growing season and coinoculation with mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum produced the highest grain yield (6,212.5 kg ha⁻¹), while the lowest grain yield was observed under the treatment involving water withholding after flowering. Analysis of the combined effects of cultivar and biofertilizer application also revealed that the Chamran cultivar applied with mycorrhiza and Azospirillum lipoferum produced the highest grain yield (5,718.6 kg ha⁻¹). Conversely, the Behrang cultivar grown without biofertilizer application produced the lowest grain yield (3,819.3 kg ha⁻¹). The highest values for root length, root volume, and root fresh weight were obtained from the Chamran cultivar under full irrigation during the growing season and with biofertilizer application. These findings indicate that the Chamran cultivar has greater production potential than the Behrang cultivar, and that biofertilizer application, particularly mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum, may significantly improve grain yield and grain quality of wheat.

Recommended Citation

Rashnou, Mehdi; Aref, Farshid; Amiri, Bahram; Rafiee, Masoud; and Zare, Mahdi (2025) "Effects of Water Deficit Stress and Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Azospirillum lipoferum Biofertilizers on Yield and Morphological Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 2, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss2/10