Interactive Effects of Water Deficiency and Endophytic <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> on Plant Growth, Nutrient Uptake, Secondary Metabolite Contents, and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Allium cepa</i> L.

Abstract

The main aim of this research study was to assess the interactive effects of water deficiency and the inoculation of a growth medium with Beauveria bassiana on plant growth, nutrient uptake, secondary metabolite contents, and antioxidant capacity of Allium cepa. A. cepa seedlings were simultaneously exposed to one of three watering regime treatments (3-day, 5-day, and 7-day watering intervals) and B. bassiana or no-fungus treatment. While the longest watering interval induced reduced plant growth, plants inoculated with B. bassiana had better results than those in the no-fungus treatment. Significant interactive effects (DF = 2.0; p B. bassiana than in the no-fungus-treated plants. The watering interval significantly affected (DF = 2, 6; F = 7.4; p B. bassiana inoculation (DF = 2.0; F = 3.8; p p < 0.05).

Keywords

• antioxidant activities
• <i>Allium cepa</i>
• <i>B. bassiana</i>
• water deficit
• endophytic fungus
• polyphenol and flavonol