Comparative metabolomic profiling reveals molecular mechanisms underlying growth promotion and disease resistance in wheat conferred by in the field.

, a plant root-colonizing basidiomycete fungus, exhibits strong growth-promoting activity in symbiosis with a broad range of plants. Here, we report the potential of to improve growth, yield, and disease resistance in wheat in the field. In the present study, successfully colonized wheat through chlamydospores and formed dense mycelial networks that covered roots. Plants subjected to the seed soaking (SS) treatment with chlamydospore suspensions enhanced tillering 2.28-fold compared to the non-inoculated wheat in the tillering stage. In addition, colonization promoted vegetative growth significantly during the three-leaf, tillering, and jointing stages. Moreover, the -SS-treatment enhanced wheat yield by 16.37 ± 1.63%, by increasing grains per ear and panicle weight and decreased damage to wheat shoot and root architecture markedly, with high field control effects against (81.59 ± 1.32%), (82.19 ± 1.59%), and (75.98 ± 1.36%). Most of the primary metabolites, such as amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids, involved in vegetative reproduction were increased in -SS-treatment plants, whereas secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, polyketides, and alkaloids, decreased following inoculation. The up-regulated processes of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism indicated that colonization increased growth, yield, and disease resistance via the acceleration of plant primary metabolism. In conclusion, improved morphological, physiological, and metabolic substance levels, and further promoted its growth, yield, and disease resistance in wheat.