Co-inoculation of microbial biofertilizers in cucumber and green bean and its effect on growth and yield

Abstract

Inoculation between bacteria and fungi can be an efficient and viable alternative for production of horticultural crops. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of co-inoculation between Trichoderma harzianum and the biostimulant ME-50® on the growth promotion and productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and green beans [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpen]. Two experiments under garden conditions were carried out, in a 2×2 factorial arrangement, in a random blocks with five replicates, to evaluate the effects of inoculation (100 mL L−1) and not inoculation to the soil with the bioestimulant ME-50® in combination with seed inoculation (100 mL L−1) and non-inoculation seeds with T. harzianum strain A-34 to improve the growth (height, leaf area and dry matter of leaves and stems) and productivity (number, length and mass of fruits and yield) of cucumber and green beans. Inoculation with the biostimulant ME-50® promoted greater growth and productivity of cucumber and green bean plants compared to the inoculation with T. harzianum. However, coinoculation between both biostimulants was more efficient in the growth and development of both plant species; increasing the productivity of cucumber (133 %) and green beans (138 %). The results of this study suggest that coinoculation between the biostimulant ME-50® and T. harzianum has a synergistic, efficient and viable effect on the growth and productivity of cucumber and green beans plants, being considered useful in organic, ecological and sustainable of the crops.

Keywords

• inoculation
• biostimulants
• cucumis sativ
• vigna unguiculata
• yield