Influence of clam shells and Tithonia diversifolia powder on growth of plantain PIF seedlings (var. French) and their sensitivity to Mycosphaerella fijiensis

Abstract

Plantain prices in sub-Saharan markets are very high due to the fact that the supply does not cover the large demand. The main constraint of plantain cultivation is the seedlings unavailability in quantity and quality, which is essential to boost the creation of new plantations. The PIF technique could solve this problem if its substrate of production is amended with natural products for quality enhancement. This study aims to assess clam shells and Tithonia diversifolia effects on the growth of PIF plantain seedlings and their sensitivity to Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Plantain PIF seedlings were grown in an amended substrate. The treatment influences the seedlings germination rate, number of shoots, height, diameter, area of leaves and favours a less sensitivity to M. fijiensis compared to the controls. The presence of clam shells and T. diversifolia in the treatment especially enhanced the (1) vegetative growth and (2) less sensitivity as well as accumulation of proteins and polyphenols respectively. This combination shows a synergic action with dual role both as a biofertilizer and as a biopesticide. This work valorises the use of by-fishing products and bad herbs that are environmentally benign and affordable to poor smallholders' farmers, leading to a sustainable and responsible agriculture, as well as poor peasants' empowerment.

<i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> Mulch Stimulates the Growth of Plantain PIF Seedlings and Induces a Less Susceptibility to <i>Mycosphaerella fijiensis</i> in the Nursery

“…diversifolia mulch has positively and significantly influenced the BSD development on the plantain PIF seedlings with less level of susceptible to M. fijiensis exhibited by the treated seedlings, especially M2 and M1. This level of susceptibility was lower as compared to the one obtained with an early study on clam shells [1] and almost the same for treated seedlings and condition with an early study on the combined effect of clam shells and T. diversifolia [6]. The lower susceptibility level to BSD in the PIF seedlings of treatments M2 and M1 could be explained by the fact that the treatments seem to act as a plant vaccine that trigger physiological changes resulting in an increase of assimilates availability during the growth, and lead to an enhanced growth promotion and biomarkers accumulation.…”

“…This could either generate positive synergistic action and/or negative antagonistic action (stresses) in the PIF seedlings. Indeed, a recent study has exhibited a synergistic action in the non-sterilized substrate (NSS) condition revealed through the rapid rate of vegetative growth stage (the diameter of shoots and the height of shoots, the foliar surface) compare to the sterilized substrate (SS) condition [6]. The organic fertilizer used as substrate for soil microorganisms acts through a rapid rate of organic material decomposition and the release of nutrients for plant uptake [17].…”

<i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> Leaves and Stems Use as Substrate Amendment Promote the Growth of Plantain Vivoplants in the Nursery

“…The level of growth promotion obtained in this study was lower compared with former studies in nursery on T. diversifolia effects on plantain growth promotion (mulch, vertical layers, liquid extract, …)[13] [14] [15][16]. Allelopathy is the set of biochemical positive and or negative interactions carried out by plants with each other or with microorganisms.…”