Inoculation with Piriformospora indica Enhances Yield and Oil Quality in Sunflower: A Genotype-Dependent Response

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran

2 Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

10.22126/atic.2026.13235.1255

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a globally significant oilseed crop, yet its actual yield in Iran remains substantially below its potential due to environmental and nutritional constraints. This study evaluated the application of the growth-promoting fungus Piriformospora indica as a biological strategy to enhance the yield and quality of three sunflower hybrids (Barzegar, Farrokh, and Ghasem). A factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with four replications during the 2022-2023 growing season at the research farm of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, located in Mollasani. Treatments included two inoculation levels (non-inoculated control and inoculated with P. indica) and three hybrids. Results demonstrated that fungal inoculation significantly influenced all measured morphological and phenological traits except leaf area and leaf weight. Inoculation significantly increased plant height, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil percentage, oil yield, and the number of filled seeds. Furthermore, inoculated plants exhibited a reduced vegetative period and fewer days to maturity. The interaction between hybrid and inoculation was significant for most traits, indicating a genotype-specific response. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between seed yield and both the number of seeds per head (r = 0.858) and oil yield (r = 0.884). Among hybrids, Barzegar proved superior for most traits and showed the most pronounced response to fungal inoculation, achieving a 42% increase in seed yield and a 37% increase in oil yield compared to its control. In conclusion, inoculation with P. indica represents an effective biological approach for enhancing sunflower seed yield and quality through improved growth and physiological performance, contributing to sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on chemical inputs.

Graphical Abstract

Inoculation with Piriformospora indica Enhances Yield and Oil Quality in Sunflower: A Genotype-Dependent Response

Highlights

  • Inoculation with Piriformospora indicasignificantly increases sunflower seed yield (by up to 42%) and oil yield (by up to 37%).
  • Inoculation induces physiological earliness, shortening time to maturity by 5-10 days.
  • The growth-promoting effects of  indicaare highly genotype-specific, with the Barzegar hybrid showing the strongest response.
  • Fungal application enhances key yield components, including seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, and the number of filled seeds.
  • Correlation analysis confirms seed yield is strongly associated with seeds per head and oil yield.
  • This study supports indicaas a sustainable biological strategy for sunflower production in suboptimal soils.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 September 2026

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