Effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis and supplementary irrigation on wheat grain yield and quality under variable end-season rainfall conditions

The effect of supplementary irrigation on mycorrhizal symbiosis of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Azar-2 at variable end season rain interruption (spring), was assessed by a 2-year factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design in three replications at West Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in two years(2014 and 2015). Treatments included rain interrupted (30 May, 13 June and 27 June), mycorrhizal symbiosis (non-mycorrhizal plants and inoculation with G.intraradices) and irrigation (rainfed and one supplementary irrigation). Results indicated that the supplementary irrigation increased forage quality (phosphorus and calcium) and grain nutrients (phosphorus) of wheat in comparison with rainfed condition. The highest seed protein content (22%) and seed yield (1327 kg/ha) was observed in irrigated mycorrhizal plants with precipitation interrupted on 30 May and 27 June, respectively. Generally in rainfed, forage and grain quality was improved by supplementary irrigation regardless interrupted precipitation. However, mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the wheat quality and yield (15% in supplementary irrigation and 10% in rainfed).It can be concluded that under drought conditions, appropriate water resources management and biofertilizers application would result in better water use efficiency and plants growth, and biofortification as well as sustainable agriculture.