Metarhizium anisopliae (MetA1) seed priming improves photosynthesis, growth, plant defense and yield of wheat under drought stress

Drought stress mitigation by endophytic microorganisms has the potential to enhance crop resilience. This research investigated the effects of M. anisopliae isolate MetA1 (MA) on drought tolerance in wheat plants by evaluating physiological, morphological, biochemical, and yield characteristics of two wheat genotypes, one being drought-susceptible (BR20) and another having drought withstanding capacities (BR28) in a pot experiment under moderate and severe drought conditions. Under drought conditions, root colonization by M. anisopliae ranged from 33.33 to 66.67%. M. anisopliae treated plants increased the plant photosynthetic capacities by increasing photosynthetic pigments, Phi2, gH