A study was undertaken to determine the inoculation effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Funneliformis mosseae and two plant growth promoting microorganisms, Bacillus megaterium and Trichoderma harzianum on growth and metabolites content of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L plant grown under irrigated and drought conditions. The mycorrhizal inoculation increased plant growth parameters like root length, shoot length, plant height, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content independent of the water regime, particularly when associated with B. megaterium. Physiological changes after drought stress as observed through relative water content (RWC) of plant leaf was evident, microbial treatments supported higher RWC. Exposure of plant to water stress led to cell damage which gets lesser in seedlings inoculated with consortia of F. mosseae and B. megaterium, as compared to other treatments including control. Dual consortia of F. mosseae and B. megaterium enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity like proline, catalase, peroxidase, phenols and flavonoids in plant maximally. This particular consortium was able to enhance plant defence system and ameliorate oxidative damages to membrane lipids. The results of the experiment indicated compatibility and synergy between F. mosseae and B. megaterium and was found to be the best for improving growth, biomass and antioxidant enzyme content of E. prostrata under drought stress.
Bacillus megaterium, Eclipta prostrata, Funnelliformis mosseae, Trichoderma harzianum, Drought, Flavonoids, Phenols, Proline, Catalase, Peroxidase.
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