Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, different levels of phosphorus and drought stress on water use efficiency, relative water content and proline accumulation rate of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.).

Abstract

An experiment was carried out using a split factorial based randomized complete block design with 4 replications to study the effects of AMF, phosphorus and drought stress on some characteristics of Coriander. The factors studied included application and non-application of mycorrhiza (Glomus hoi) 0.35 and 70 kg ha-1 phosphorus applications, and two levels of drought stress irrigation. The results showed that drought stress significant effect on water use efficiency, relative water content and proline accumulation rate (α = 1%). Highest water use efficiency and proline accumulation rate were achieved under stress conditions and highest relative water content was achieved under without stress conditions. Also, mycorrhiza and phosphorus significant effects on water use efficiency (α = 5%). Highest water use efficiency was achieved under application of mycorrhiza and application of 70 kg ha-1 phosphorus respectively. Relative water content and proline accumulation rate were not significantly affected due to phosphorus and mycorrhiza. The results this experiment showed that water use efficiency was increased under application of mycorrhiza that can increase absorb of phosphorus and water in drought conditions. Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus, drought stress, water use efficiency, coriander.