Abstract
Background and Aims
Salinity significantly impairs wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield, posing a major challenge to agriculture. This study investigates the effectiveness of the fungal endophyte Penicillium chrysogenum in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity on wheat growth.
Methods
In this study, the effect of fungal endophyte P. chrysogenum on the improvement of morphophysiological and biochemical traits of wheat plant under salt stress (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) was factorially conducted in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications in vitro and greenhouse conditions.
Results
Treatment of wheat seeds with P. chrysogenum resulted in superior germination rates under 150 mM saline stress compare to untreated control. Notably, the endophyte treatment led to enhancements in shoot and root lengths, as well as total fresh and dry weights, with increases of 57.52%, 169.23%, 10.65%, and 76.20%, respectively. The endophytes presence was associated with increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proline, and soluble carbohydrates by 29.34%, 36.17%, 36.13%, and 76.54%, respectively. Enhanced concentrations of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and overall antioxidant activity were observed in treated plants, alongside elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, PPO, APX). These adaptations contributed to improved stress tolerance and a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Conclusion
The results highlight P. chrysogenum as an effective biological agent for enhancing wheat resilience to salinity, offering a promising strategy for improving crop performance in saline areas. Further studies are needed to understand the complex interactions and practical agricultural uses.