Effects of mycorrhiza symbiosis on seed yield and some physiological responses of chickpea genotypes

An experiment was conducted in 2014 in the research field of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, to investigate the triplet symbiosis of chickpea, mycorrhiza, and rhizobium, as well as the responses of chickpea genotypes to these inoculations. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replications based on a randomized complete block design. The main plot included three mycorrhiza levels as a biological fertilizer (Glomus mosseae, Piriformospora indica, and non-used), while the subplot included nine chickpea genotypes. When compared to other treatments, G. mosseae significantly increased seed yield and dry matter of chickpeas from mid-season onward. Arbuscular mycorrhiza significantly increased chlorophyll a and b levels, as well as carotenoids and SPAD levels. MCC537 outperformed the other genotypes in terms of seed yield and dry matter during the growing season and at harvest time. MCC537, MCC427, and MCC392 genotypes had the highest levels of carotenoids and SPAD readings. It appears that using G. mosseae in conjunction with rhizobium can improve the physiological traits and seed yield of chickpea.