The Effects of a Microorganisms-Based Commercial Product on the Morphological, Biochemical and Yield of Tomato Plants under Two Different Water Regimes

Abstract

The practice of organic agriculture represents an essential requirement for conserving natural resources and for providing the food necessary for a growing population, on a sustainable basis. Tomatoes are considered to be one of the most important crops worldwide. In this context, the organic production of tomatoes should be taken into more consideration. The use of microorganisms-based commercial products is an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Anyway, the results of their use are still variable because of various factors. The aim of this study was to test the effect of inoculation with AMF, PGPR and fungi-based products (Rizotech plus®) on the morphological (length of the plants), biochemical (lycopen, polyphenols, antioxidant activity), and number of fruits and yields of four tomato cultivars (Siriana F1, HTP F1, Minaret F1, Inima de Bou) in two different water regimes used for irrigation (200 m3 or 300 m3 of water/hectare) under a protected area. The results showed that the efficiency of Rizotech plus® application is dependent on the cultivar and the amount of water used. Also, it was clearly demonstrated that the microorganism inoculation significantly increased the yield of Minaret F1, Siriana F1 and HTP F1 cultivars as compared to the uninoculated plants, regardless of the water amount used in the experiment. Moreover, it was observed that for the irrigation of all four cultivars, inoculated with Rizotech plus®, a lower amount of water (200 m3·ha−1) can be used to get the same length of plants, number of fruits and yield as in the case of a higher amount of water (300 m3·ha−1). In the case of lycopene, polyphenols and antioxidant activity, the results varied with the cultivar and the water amount used. This study gives new information about the functionality and performance of the microorganisms from Rizotech plus® product when applied to different tomato cultivars grown in a tunnel, in the condition of two different water regimes, contributing to a better characterization of it and maybe to a more efficient use in agriculture to achieve optimum results.

Yield and Nutritional Response of Greenhouse Grown Tomato Cultivars to Sustainable Fertilization and Irrigation Management

“…It was also observed that at 472 nm wavelength, the lycopene values for most of the interactions were greater, though with no statistical significance as compared to those obtained at 502 nm. Similar values of the lycopene content were obtained by Inculet et al [ 29 ], and amounts below 6.82 mg·100 g −1 f.w. were recorded by Jędrszczyk and Ambroszczyk [ 30 ] with the organically fertilized tomato cultivar Mieszko F 1 .…”

“…However, the results regarding the interactions between cultivar, fertilization type, and irrigation regime showed significant differences only for the IB cultivar that was chemically fertilized with a 100% evapotranspiration replenishment or organically fertilized with a 67% evapotranspiration replenishment as compared to the cultivar HTP that was chemically fertilized and watered according to 67% replenishment. Similar values of the antioxidant activity were obtained in previous studies on tomato [ 6 , 29 ] and in related species such as red pepper [ 35 ]. Regarding fertilization type, organic fertilization gave a significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to chemical fertilization ( Table 3 ).…”

“…In each plot and at each harvest, the number and weight of ripe fruits from any truss, as well as the mean fruit weight on random 20-fruit samples, were determined. The yields (kg·ha −1 ) were calculated by using the following formula: (plants/ha × fruits/plant × average fruit weight)/1000 [ 29 ]. The plant heights (cm) were measured after the last harvest in each experimental treatment.…”

Microbial Biocontrol as an Alternative to Synthetic Fungicides: Boundaries between Pre- and Postharvest Applications on Vegetables and Fruits

“…This circumstance, therefore, displays the need for sustainable use of agropharmaceuticals, together with the demand for more environment-friendly production systems: These topics in recent years have fuelled a growing public interest in the search for alternative approaches to chemical control in plant disease management [18]. In this context, microbial biocontrol is a biological strategy receiving increasing interest because of the environment-friendly nature of the solution, useful to design sustainable innovation [19,20]. Microbial-based biotools can find application both to control plant diseases and to reduce contaminations on the product [21].…”

Microbial Biostimulants as Response to Modern Agriculture Needs: Composition, Role and Application of These Innovative Products

“…Consequently, an increase of the antioxidant activity was also recorded (WMD: +0.94; 95% CI: +0.19, +1.70; I 2 = 74%; P = 0.01). [152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160], and plotted according to the mean difference. The weight of each study is represented by the size of the green box.…”