Optimized Culture Medium and Effect of Piriformospora indica on Growth of Rice Plants

  Objective  Enhancement on the growth, development and stress resistance of rice plants from the colonization of the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica (Pi) on the roots was investigated.

  Method  Pi was inoculated on 8 different media for optimal culture and co-cultured on rice seedlings to determine the biological improvements on the plants.

  Result  Medium V8 was found to be most desirable for Pi growth. Addition of a certain amount of sucrose would further increase the effect. The plant height, leaf length, root length, root count, chlorophyll content and quality of the above- and underground parts of the treated rice plants were significantly greater than those of control. Notably, 20 days after the inoculation, the plant height increased by 32.36% and chlorophyll content 15.88%.

  Conclusion  Pi significantly promoted the growth and development of rice plants as it symbiotically enhanced the photosynthesis and root physiology of the host.