فرهاد بهتاش

In order to investigate the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and zinc application on total chlorophyll and carotenoids in lettuce (lactuca sativa.cv. Syaho) plants, a completely randomized experiment with three replications was conducted under greenhouse conditions. The experimental treatments include two inoculation level (with or without P. indica) and different levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg L-1). Total chlorophyll and carotenoids were determined according to Arnon’s method. Results from analysis of variance revealed that the effect of P. indica and zinc application on carotenoids (P≤0.01) and total chlorophyll contents (P≤0.05) were significant. The highest total chlorophyll (26 mg g-1 FW) and carotenoids (16.1 mg g-1 FW) were observed in the presence of P. indica at 10 mg L-1 Zn and in the presence of P. indica under 0 mg L-1 Zn, respectively. Our results showed that inoculation by P. indica and applications of zinc enhance the pigment concentrations in lettuce plants and increase Zn uptake.