Effect of Co-Inoculation of Bradyrhizobium and Trichoderma on Growth, Development, and Yield of Arachis hypogaea L. (Peanut)

Abstract

Cultivation of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) on the same land contributes to the accumulation of root exudates, leading to increased soil pathogens and decreased yield. Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring endophytic biocontrol fungus that can enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Separately, Bradyrhizobium spp. is a biological nitrogen-fixing (BNF) bacterium favoring nodule formation in peanut roots which promotes nitrogen fixation. The dynamics of the symbiotic association between these two organisms were evaluated in the laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Peanuts were cultivated in pots inoculated with either Bradyrhizobium or Trichoderma or both to evaluate growth, development, and yield. The in vitro study results showed that seeds treated with Trichoderma had better germination and seedling biomass (p = 0.0008) compared to the other treatments. On the other hand, the results of greenhouse studies showed that seeds inoculated with both microbes, and those inoculated with Bradyrhizobium alone had higher dry biomass (p < 0.0001) as well as higher chlorophyll content (p < 0.0001) compared to the other treatments. Understanding of the interactive effects of fungal endophytes and rhizobial bacteria on plant growth and development will help in both the nutrient and disease management of Arachis hypogaea L.