Use of Plant-Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Mycorrhizal Fungi Consortium as a Strategy to Improve Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Productivity under Different Irrigation Regimes

Climate change prediction indicates an increased likelihood of precipitation variability and droughts in the Mediterranean region. Previous studies demonstrated that microbial symbionts combined with supplementary irrigation could mitigate climate effects boost chickpea production low-fertility soils. The aim study was to assess inoculation a consortium plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas sp., Burkholderia sp. Mesorhizobium sp.) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis geosporum Claroideoglomus claroideum) on growth, grain yield crude protein content chickpeas under following regimes: I1-no water stress, I2-moderate I3-strong water-stress, I4-no stress critical growth stages cycle development I5-severe stress). Plants irrigated only during flowering pod filling showed higher yields compared plants from other deficit treatments. Additionally, co-inoculated PGPR AMF, stages, presented than non-inoculated without (1.45- 1.33-fold increase 2018 2019, respectively). Inoculation beneficial microorganisms supplemental at benefits should be considered for increasing crop productivity promoting agricultural sustainability.