Reducing Water Stress, Germination and Shoot Nutrients Accumulation of Avena sativa L. Following Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many ecological factors affect the ability of plants to survive and grow. At the same time, drought causes significant limitations to plant growth in arid regions. This study investigated the effects of bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter vinelandii=F1, Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas putida=F2, F1+F2, control=C) on reducing the effect of water stress factor 100% (FC=field capacity), 70% (0.7FC), and 40% (0.4FC) on germination, growth, and absorption of some nutrients by Avena sativa L. The results indicated that the germination rate was the highest in F1 + 0.7FC and F1 + 0.4FC, respectively and the lowest germination rate was measured in C + 0.7FC. Treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC compared to C + 0.4FC significantly reduced the germination rate (p < .01). The highest shoot and root lengths were measured in treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC, and the lowest shoot and root length was measured in treatment F1+F2+FC. In treatment F2 + 0.7FC, shoot and root dry weight increased significantly (p < .01). Treatment F1 + 0.4FC showed the lowest shoot dry weight. In treatment F1+FC, the highest potassium concentration was measured in treatment F2 + 0.7FC, and the highest iron and zinc were measured. The maximum uptake of iron and zinc was measured in F1+FC and F2 + 0.7FC, respectively. Treatment F1+F2 + 0.4FC showed the lowest uptake of iron, zinc, and manganese. Treatment F1+FC caused to increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. Generally, the bio-fertilizers had the highest efficiency under 0.7FC and FC conditions. Fertilizers F1 and F2 separately reduced drought’s impact on plant germination. Fertilizers had no noticeable influence on the uptake of nutrients. Bio-fertilizers applied to A. sativa L. could contribute to the restoration and enhancement of rangelands.