Effect of plant growth promoting bacteria and Mycorrhizal fungi on growth and yield of wheat under dryland conditions

In order to study the growth and yield of wheat under dryland conditions, an experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications at Agricultural Research Station of Ilam University during 2013-2014 cropping season. Experimental factors consisted of two wheat cultivars (Keras­Sablan and Saji), chemical and biofertilizers. Treatments include 1- without application of phosphorous fertilizer, 2-full use of recommended phosphorous, 3- pseudomonas putida, 4- Fuuneliformis mosseae, 5- pseudomonas putida Fuuneliformis mosseae, 6- pseudomonas putida Fuuneliformis mosseae 1/2 use of recommended phosphorous, 7- pseudomonas putida퟽ use of recommended phosphorous and 8- Fuuneliformis mosseae퟽ use of recommended phosphorous. Results indicated that wheat cultivars and fertilizer treatments had significant effect on spike dry weight, stem dry weight, chlorophyll a and b contents, dry weight and root length, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, period of grain filling, grain filling rate, dry matter remobilization and current photosynthesis. Saji cultivar had the highest grain filling rate, dry matter remobilization and current photosynthesis. Biofertilizer treatments had positive effect on period of grain filling, grain filling rate, dry matter remobilization and current photosynthesis under dryland conditions. 1/2 use of recommended phosphorous ㌧⢮롢 fungi treatment had the highest period of grain filling, grain filling rate, dry matter remobilization, current photosynthesis, chlorophyll a and b contents, dry weight and root length, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Therefore with regard to the fact that cultivation of wheat in dryland conditions is facing the terminal stresses such as drought and heat, the integration use of Saji cultivar along with fertilizer treatment of Fuuneliformis mosseae퟽ use of recommended phosphorous due to high chlorophyll content, nutritious elements, rate and duration of grain filling and current photosynthesis can be effective for improving the wheat grain yield.