Integrated effect of biochar application and mycorrhizal inoculation on growth and biomass production of Dracocephalum kotschyi Bioss. under water-deficit conditions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Crop Physiology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

4 Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute (SPCRI), Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a native species found in central and western Iran and is known locally as Badrandjboie-Dennaie or Zarrin-Giah. It is used in traditional folk medicine, and its aerial parts are rich in essential oils. Recent studies have documented several medicinal properties of D. kotschyi, including immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, antinociceptive, and cytotoxic activities (Fallah et al., 2020). Drought stress is the most common abiotic stress affecting plant growth and development (Jaleel, 2009). Some eco-friendly agricultural practices can reduce the harmful effects of drought stress and improve plant growth and production under water-limited conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can establish symbiotic associations with the roots of the majority of terrestrial plants. AMF promote host plant growth and enhance resistance to drought stress. Moreover, AMF protect host plants against the inhibitory and destructive effects of drought through several mechanisms, including increased water uptake by extraradical hyphae, improved nutritional status, and osmotic adjustment (Ahanger et al., 2014). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and biomass production of D. kotschyi inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi under deficit irrigation.
 
Materials and methods
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar application (5% w/w of soil) and mycorrhizal inoculation (Funneliformis mosseae) on the growth and biomass production of D. kotschyi Boiss. under water‑deficit conditions in a pot experiment. Irrigation levels included 100, 70, and 40% of field capacity, representing normal irrigation, mild stress, and severe stress, respectively. The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications under greenhouse conditions at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. At the end of the experiment, all plants from each pot were harvested. Different growth parameters and root and shoot characteristics, including root volume, root dry weight, plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, relative water content, electrolyte leakage, biomass production, and water use efficiency, were examined.
 
Results and discussion
The results showed that increasing water-deficit levels reduced biomass production by increasing specific leaf weight and decreasing plant height, leaf number, leaf area, root length, and root weight. However, water-use efficiency (WUE) under mild stress did not differ significantly from that under normal conditions, whereas severe drought stress significantly reduced WUE. Biochar application increased WUE by enhancing growth rate, leaf number, root length, root weight, and root volume. Mycorrhizal inoculation also improved growth rate, leaf number and area, root volume and weight, chlorophyll index, biomass production, and WUE. Mycorrhizal inoculation efficiency decreased under drought stress but increased with biochar application. Despite the significant reduction in biomass production under drought stress, D. kotschyi appears to employ stress‑avoidance mechanisms. The results indicate that reductions in leaf area, leaf size, and leaf area ratio, together with an increase in specific leaf weight under severe stress, may represent responses that help maintain relative leaf water content under stress conditions. The findings also indicated that although no interaction effect was observed between biochar or mycorrhizal treatments and irrigation levels, biochar application and mycorrhizal inoculation had significant effects on most of the studied traits.
 
Conclusion
In semi-arid areas, mycorrhizal inoculation and biochar application can be considered as strategies to increase productivity per unit area. Also, under limited irrigation conditions, the favorable response of plants to mild deficit irrigation suggests that applying mild water stress may serve as an effective agricultural strategy to improve the production of D. kotschyi and other medicinal plants in semi-arid regions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences

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Available Online from 31 May 2026

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  • Receive Date: 12 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 May 2025

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