Abstract
Cultivation of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) on the same land contributes to the accumulation of root exudates, leading to increased soil pathogens and decreased yield. Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring endophytic biocontrol fungus that can enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Separately, Bradyrhizobium spp. is a biological nitrogen-fixing (BNF) bacterium favoring nodule formation in peanut roots which promotes nitrogen fixation. The dynamics of the symbiotic association between these two organisms were evaluated in the laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Peanuts were cultivated in pots inoculated with either Bradyrhizobium or Trichoderma or both to evaluate growth, development, and yield. The in vitro study results showed that seeds treated with Trichoderma had better germination and seedling biomass (p = 0.0008) compared to the other treatments. On the other hand, the results of greenhouse studies showed that seeds inoculated with both microbes, and those inoculated with Bradyrhizobium alone had higher dry biomass (p < 0.0001) as well as higher chlorophyll content (p < 0.0001) compared to the other treatments. Understanding of the interactive effects of fungal endophytes and rhizobial bacteria on plant growth and development will help in both the nutrient and disease management of Arachis hypogaea L.
Highlights
Legumes have a prominent role in sustaining agricultural productivity [1,2]
Castro et al [6] reported increased yield when peanut crops were inoculated with rhizobium, but Walker et al [7] and Huang et al [8] noted that continuous cropping of peanut on the same piece of land resulted in reduced yield even when there was evidence of rhizobium inoculation
The current research evaluated the effect of co-inoculations of nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and plant growth-promoting (PGP) endophyte in the enhancement of peanut germination, growth, development and yield under greenhouse conditions
Summary
Legumes have a prominent role in sustaining agricultural productivity [1,2]. Legumes, and grasslands are grown because of their ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria [3], and they can be used in rotation systems to manage pests, diseases, and weeds [4]. Small quantities of arable land and intensive agro-industrialization have led to the cultivation of crops on the same land without crop rotation. Such exhaustive peanut production is widespread in the subtropical regions of Asia. The consecutive monoculture may, have caused a steady decline in productivity and performance, and increased disease susceptibility [5]. Castro et al [6] reported increased yield when peanut crops were inoculated with rhizobium, but Walker et al [7] and Huang et al [8] noted that continuous cropping of peanut on the same piece of land resulted in reduced yield even when there was evidence of rhizobium inoculation
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