Effect of mycorrhiza and salicylic acid on yield and physiological parameters of maize (Zea mays)

In order to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis and foliar application of salicylic acid on yield and photosynthetic pigments of corn, an experiment was conducted in the form of split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications during two cropping years 2018-2019 in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Chalous Branch. Experimental factors included mycorrhiza species (G. mosseae), (G. geosporum), and (G. intraradices) at two levels (no consumption and consumption of mycorrhiza) and salicylic acid at two levels (no consumption and consumption of 1 mM salicylic acid). Results showed that the dual effects of mycorrhiza × year and mycorrhiza × salicylic acid had a positive and significant effect on all studied traits. The highest plant height was obtained in the treatment with G. intraradices and salicylic acid. Also, 1000 grain weight, seed yield, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen contents of seeds, and chlorophyll a and b levels were higher in salicylic acid foliar treatment compared with the other treatments. In general, the results showed that mycorrhizal application with salicylic acid spray increased vegetative and reproductive growth. This enhancement is due to the increase in photosynthesis index and, consequently an increase in photosynthetic materials dedicated to the development of reproductive organs, which ultimately improves corn yield.