Dual inoculations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria boost drought resistance and essential oil yield of common myrtle

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are increasingly being used to enhance crop abiotic stress resistance. Common myrtle is an economically important essential oil-producing plant but knowledge about its drought resistance mechanisms and the drought mitigation potential of AMF and PGPR is scant. Here, we investigated the effects of single and dual AMF (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis) and PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida) inoculation on seedling survival, growth, physiology, and biochemical traits under soil water deficit (100%, 60%, and 30% of field capacity). Under severe drought, all inoculations increased survival compared to non-inoculated seedlings. Drought-related growth impairment was more strongly compensated belowground than aboveground, especially in dual-inoculated plants, indicating prioritized resource allocation to roots probably linked to AMF- and PGPR-induced phytohormone changes. Particularly dual inoculation significantly improved leaf physiology, reduced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and proline concentrations and mitigated oxidative pigment losses under drought through upregulation of the antioxidant defense as evidenced by (non-)enzymatic antioxidant accumulation, including essential oils. Our findings indicate similarly significant AMF- and PGPR-mediated boosts in myrtle drought resistance through enhanced water and nutrient supply and stimulation of the antioxidant defense. Dual inoculations proved most effective and provide a low-cost approach to optimizing myrtle cultivation and restoration programs.