Improvement of Germination, Phosphate Efficiency, Antioxidants, Metabolic Products, and Yield of Wheat Plants by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum

INCREASING the efficiency of phosphate fertilizer by biofertilizers is an interesting goal as a way to potentiate the phosphate-fertilizers.The present study includes the use of culture filtrate (CF) or conidial suspension (CS) of two isolated rhizospheric fungi (RF) in germination solution of wheat plants or pots filled with soils fertilized with superphosphate or rock phosphate.The RF were morphologically and genetically identified as Penicillium chrysogenum (AUMC 14100) and Aspergillus niger (AUMC 14260) that were able to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and solubilize phosphate. Applying CF or CS of the strains separately or in consortium enhanced the germination percentage and vigor index of wheat plants. For pot experiment, CF or CS initiate their positive effect on plant in two ways: a) enhancement of soil properties (increment of organic matter, reduction of pH, enrichment the soil with higher soluble phosphate, calcium, and magnesium); b) stimulation of growth, biochemical status, nutrients content, and the yield of wheat plants. The applied biofertilizers enhanced chlorophyll, primary metabolites, phenolics, ascorbic acid, and tocopherol contents. The application of CF and/or CS exerted no oxidative damage on wheat rather H2O2 or lipid peroxidation was reduced due to the activation of various antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the root and shoot tissues of treated wheat enriched with high contents of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate improve phosphate-related traits. All up-regulations under biofertilizers application reflected on high yield of wheat plants.The study recommends application of CF side by side to P-fertilizers for up-scaling their efficiency and enhancing plant development.