Application of Bio-organic Fertilizer to Control Tomato Fusarium Wilting by Manipulating Soil Microbial Communities and Development

Abstract

A pot culture experiment was conducted in soils with a 3-, 5-, or 10-year history of continuous cropping. Results showed that with increasing years of continuous cropping, biomass, soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) readings, root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually decreased. After bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) application, biomass, SPAD readings and root activity, SOD activity, and MDA content gradually increased compared to controls. Similarly, catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activity decreased with increasing years of continuous cropping, and increased substantially in BOF-treated soil compared to the control soil. The diversity and richness of soil bacterial community declined, while those of fungal community increased as continuous cropping increased. BOF application led to substantial increases in quantities of soil rhizosphere bacteria and actinomycetes and significant decreases in quantities of soil fungi. The soil bacterial community showed the greatest changes, whereas the fungal community showed the fewest changes.