AUGMENTATIVE ROLE OF PIRIFORMOSPORA INDICA IN MODULATING RESPONSES IN THE MITIGATION OF SALINITY STRESS IN TRIGONELLA-FOENUM GRAECUM

Abstract

Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum) plants are rich in nutrients, have strong antioxidant property, aids in the digestion and have multiple health benefits including lowering the blood sugar levels, thereby controlling diabetes. The production of methi plants is negatively affected by increase salinization of soil. In this study, we have used a microbe, Piriformospora indica which is a fungus used to alleviate salinity stress in methi. Plants were subjected to different salinity levels (0, 75 and 150 mM NaCl), and various parameters were analyzed viz. growth, physiological and biochemical aspects, in order to understand whether the microbial inoculation can help in mitigation of high salinity stress. The role of P. indica has positive effects in mitigation of high salinity stress in methi plants and have elevated various physiological responses like increase in the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and internal CO2. Biochemical aspects like carotenoids, chlorophyll content, nitrogen and protein were also increased in the microbial inoculated plants. P. indica was very effective in elevating nitrogen, protein, stomatal conductance, internal CO2and transpiration level and various other parameters. Uninoculated plants showed poor results, and were not compatible in mitigating high salinity stress. In conclusion, findings suggest that microbial inoculation of P. indica can help the plants to overcome the high salinity stress in methi plants.