Improved Drought Tolerance by AMF Inoculation in Maize (Zea mays) Involves Physiological and Biochemical Implications

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Agronomy
• Mycology

Background:

• Drought stress negatively impacts crop growth and physiology.
• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to enhance plant stress tolerance.
• Maize (Zea mays L.) is susceptible to drought, affecting its yield and biochemical attributes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of *Glomus versiforme* (an AMF) in alleviating drought stress in maize.
• To assess the effects of AMF inoculation on maize growth, physio-biochemical traits, and antioxidant systems under moderate and severe drought.

Main Methods:

• Maize plants were subjected to moderate drought (MD) and severe drought (SD) conditions.
• AMF (*Glomus versiforme*) inoculation was applied with and without drought stress.
• Plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, compatible solutes, and total phenols were measured.

Main Results:

• Drought reduced plant height, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, increasing ROS and membrane damage.
• AMF inoculation significantly ameliorated drought-induced oxidative damage in maize.
• AMF improved growth, photosynthesis, mineral uptake, and compatible solute content under drought.
• AMF inoculation up-regulated the antioxidant system, maintained redox homeostasis, and increased total phenols.

Conclusions:

• *Glomus versiforme* inoculation is beneficial for maize plants facing drought stress.
• AMF enhances drought tolerance by improving physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidant defense mechanisms.
• AMF plays a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress and maintaining metabolic functions in maize under drought conditions.