Biostimulant Activity of Trichoderma saturnisporum in Melon (Cucumis melo)

Abstract

<jats:p>Trichoderma-based biostimulants are considered the most effective plant growth–promoting fungi. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of two <jats:italic>Trichoderma saturnisporum</jats:italic> isolates on the growth promotion of melon (<jats:italic>Cucumis melo</jats:italic>) seeds and seedlings as well as their effect on the performance of the cantaloupe “Charentais” melon crop cultivar Gandalf cultivated under a typical parral-type greenhouse. For these purposes, germination trials and two experiments were performed in a commercial nursery, conventional system, and large plant system. Two experiments were also established for 2 years (two crop cycles) in a commercial greenhouse in Almería, Spain. In addition, we evaluated the influence of these isolates (T1 and T2) on the Charentais melon yield and quality. High values for seedling vigor and root length were obtained by <jats:italic>T. saturnisporum</jats:italic> T1 (93.50%) and T2 (93.75%) against control (62%). <jats:italic>Trichoderma saturnisporum</jats:italic> T1 and T2 increased the quality of plants in conventional system and large plant system and can be considered as biostimulant. <jats:italic>Trichoderma saturnisporum</jats:italic> treatments resulted in significantly larger crop productivity without a negative effect on the fruit quality parameters. Melon productivity increased in <jats:italic>T. saturnisporum</jats:italic> treatments T1 (13.99%) and T2 (16.04%), while at the same time increases the average fruit weight up to 7.71% for T2 isolate. <jats:italic>Trichoderma saturnisporum</jats:italic> act as biostimulants for nursing and commercial melon crops without negative effects on fruit quality. This is the first report describing <jats:italic>T. saturnisporum</jats:italic> as a potential crop yield promoter.</jats:p>

Evaluation of a Newly Identified Endophytic Fungus, Trichoderma phayaoense for Plant Growth Promotion and Biological Control of Gummy Stem Blight and Wilt of Muskmelon

“…These results were similar to those of Fernondo et al (2018) who found that T. saturnisporum enhanced the growth of melon seedlings, as well as increased fruit productivity and quality when compared with the control. Moreover, previous studies have reported that Trichoderma spp.…”

“…In this present study, the inoculation of T. phayaoense could be effective in improving plant development (increasing plant height and dry weight values of shoots and roots) and the number of fruit attributes (weight, diameter, circumference, and total soluble solids) of muskmelons. These results were similar to those of Fernondo et al (2018) who found that T. saturnisporum enhanced the growth of melon seedlings, as well as increased fruit productivity and quality when compared with the control. Moreover, previous studies have reported that Trichoderma spp.…”

Recent Advances in the Molecular Effects of Biostimulants in Plants: An Overview

“…Similarly, other authors observed an increase in N uptake and yield in lettuce with the use T. virens GV 41 biostimulants [222]. T. saturnisporum has also been shown to enhance germination, increase plant vigor and yield, whilst also leading to better fruit quality in melon [223]. A recent and comprehensive study on the influence of Trichoderma strains in strawberry, described very interesting findings obtained from proteomic analysis [224].…”

Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds in Licorice Root Extract Potentially Contribute to Improving Growth, Bulb Quality and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa)

“…In addition, LRE application boosted Capsicum annum growth and fruit yield in heavy metal-contaminated saline soils by improving the contents of photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, free proline, and nutrients, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in leaves [ 13 ]. Although most of the research on the use of biostimulants has focused mainly on their benefits under different stress conditions, there have been also several reports on biostimulant-induced growth stimulation when they were applied to plants grown under normal growth conditions [ 14 , 15 ]. In reality, in the era of dwindling agricultural lands, it should be a paramount goal of today’s plant scientists and farmers to explore biostimulants as a tonic to boost the yields of commercially valuable crops, including onions ( Allium cepa ), under field conditions.…”