Research: Improving Quality and Production of Horticultural Crops Through the Use of A Biostimulant Based on Inula Viscosa and Control of Seedling Pathogens

Abstract

In this research work the possibility of using a biostimulant based on Inula viscosa L. (Dittrichia viscosa L.) to
improve the growth and quality of Licopersicon esculentum L., Daucus carota, Pak choi, Perilla frutescens Petroselinum crispum plants. was evaluated. Additionally, in the experiment the presence of plant mortality following attacks of Pithyum spp.and Fusarium sp. has been examined. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without biostimulant, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group with microrganisms, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iii) group with algae, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iv) group with Inula viscosa, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; v) group with (INORT: mix Microorganisms + Inula viscosa + Algae), irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized. The trial showed that all Lycopersicon esculentum L, Daucus carota, Pak choi, Perilla frutescens and Petroselinum crispum plants treated with Inula viscosa biostimulant showed significant increase in the agronomic parameters analyzed compared to the untreated control. The results show that the use of the biostimulant introduced in the medium can improve the quality of treated plants by significantly increasing seed germination and plant growth. The data also show that the use of this product has effects on plant protection from Pithyum spp. and Fusarium sp. Further researches will be carried out on the use of Inula as biostimulant in order to investigate if there is a specificity of improvement or worsening according to the type of plant on which it is used, if there are differences according to the type of extraction, methods and times of plant harvesting, association or not with other biostimulants of natural origin. The use of Inula as a biostimulant associated with algae and microorganisms in this and other experiments has shown significant effects in the cultivation of plants that, although deserving further investigation, are certainly of interest for farmers.

Keywords-Sustainable applications; Plant quality; Vegetables; Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria; Biocontrol

Link: https://www.isroset.org/pdf_paper_view.php?paper_id=2252&4-ISROSET-IJSRBS-05317.pdf