Inoculation of Wheat Plants with Pseudomonas spp. and Azospirillum brasilense under Drought Stress

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effect of inoculation and co-inoculation of Pseudomonas spp. and Azospirillum brasilense on the morphophysiological characters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought stress conditions. Study Design: A randomized complete block design was used in a split plot scheme with four replicates. The plots consisted of irrigated and drought conditions. The subplots consisted of control (without inoculation), inoculation of Pseudomonas spp., inoculation of A. brasilense and co-inoculation of Pseudomonas spp. + A. brasilense. Liquid inoculant was used for two bacteria. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Experimental Area of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, SC, Brazil, between July and October 2018. Methodology: Inoculation was performed at the time of sowing. Water deficit was characterized by irrigation suppression after plant emergence, considering a 25-day period without significant rainfall. At the end of the water restriction period, SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index and morphologic parameters of wheat plants was determined. Results: Drought stress decreased dry matter accumulation of wheat plants, in terms of number of tillers, above ground dry matter and root-shoot ratio. Inoculation or co-inoculation with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense did not affect plant growth. Under drought stress, SPAD index was higher in plants co-inoculated with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense. Conclusion: Although maintains SPAD index of wheat plants under drought stress, inoculation and co-inoculation with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense do not influence the morphological characters of wheat plants.