Coating seeds with endophytic fungi enhances growth, nutrient uptake, yield and grain quality of winter wheat

Summary:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed coating with a microbial consortium comprising the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi *Glomus intraradices* BEG72, *Glomus mossae,* and *Trichoderma atroviride* MUCL 45632 in enhancing seedling establishment, yield, and grain quality (specifically protein content and mineral composition) of wheat (*Triticum durum* Desf.). The study was conducted through a combination of laboratory and open field experiments.

Key Findings:

1. Laboratory Experiment (Growth Chamber):
– 17 days post-sowing, wheat seedlings from coated seeds showed significant improvements compared to those from uncoated seeds:
– SPAD index increased by 10.0%
– Number of leaves increased by 28.6%
– Shoot dry biomass increased by 23.1%
– Root dry biomass increased by 64.2%
– These results indicate that seed coating with the microbial consortium enhances early seedling growth and vigor.

2. Open Field Experiments:
– Yield Improvement:
– The use of uncoated seeds led to a significant reduction in grain yield by 24.3% in the first growing season and 7.7% in the second growing season compared to the coated seeds.
– Coated seeds showed more stable yields across the two growing cycles:
– Uncoated seeds yielded 2.8 t/ha in 2011-12 and 3.6 t/ha in 2012-13.
– Coated seeds yielded 3.7 t/ha in 2011-12 and 3.9 t/ha in 2012-13.

– Grain Quality and Mineral Composition:
– Coating seeds with AM fungi and *Trichoderma* improved grain quality, with significant increases in protein content and concentrations of key minerals (K, P, Fe, and Zn).

– Physiological Benefits:
– Coated seeds exhibited higher SPAD index values and enhanced photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII), reflecting better chlorophyll content and overall plant health.
– The improved performance of the coated seeds was linked to enhanced macro and micronutrient uptake, contributing to increased yield and yield stability.

Conclusion:
Seed coating with a microbial consortium containing *Glomus* and *Trichoderma* significantly enhances wheat crop performance by improving seedling establishment, increasing yield, and enhancing grain quality through better nutrient uptake and physiological function. This method offers a sustainable approach to improving wheat production.