Endophytic Fungi Enhance Wheat Growth and Quality

Summary of Coating seeds with endophytic fungi enhances growth, nutrient uptake, yield and grain quality of winter wheat

Endophytic Fungi Enhance Wheat Growth, Yield, and Grain Quality

Seed coating with beneficial microbes is a sustainable strategy to improve wheat performance. This study investigated whether a microbial consortium containing Glomus intraradices BEG72, Glomus mossae, and Trichoderma atroviride MUCL 45632 could enhance wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) seedling establishment, yield, and grain quality. Endophytic fungi enhance wheat early growth and vigor by promoting nutrient uptake and root development.

Beneficial Fungi Improve Wheat Seedling Development
Laboratory experiments showed that coated seeds had significantly higher emergence rates, leaf number, and biomass compared to uncoated seeds. Specifically, 17 days after sowing, SPAD index increased by 10%, leaf number by 28.6%, shoot biomass by 23.1%, and root biomass by 64.2%. These results highlight how endophytic fungi enhance wheat early growth and establishment.

Fungal Seed Coating Boosts Yield and Stability
Field trials confirmed that AM fungi and Trichoderma inoculation improve grain yield and reduce seasonal variability. Coated seeds yielded 3.7–3.9 t ha⁻¹, compared to 2.8–3.6 t ha⁻¹ for uncoated seeds. Stable yield was associated with enhanced nutrient absorption, higher SPAD index, and improved photochemical activity of PSII.

AM and Trichoderma Fungi Enhance Grain Nutrition
The application of beneficial fungi improved grain protein content and mineral composition, including K, P, Fe, and Zn. By enhancing nutrient uptake, coated seeds produced higher-quality wheat with better resilience to environmental stress.

Using microbial seed coatings provides a sustainable approach for wheat cultivation. Overall, Endophytic Fungi Enhance Wheat growth, yield, and nutrient efficiency, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution for modern agriculture.