Exploring patterns of Camellia seed cake application in relation to plant growth, soil nematodes and microbial biomass

Abstract

ABSTRACT The suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes is crucial for maintaining the worldwide development of the banana industry. In this study, different application patterns of Camellia seed cake previously reported to suppress root-knot nematode were conducted to manage pests and promote banana seedling growth. The results demonstrated seven days delay before transplanting was necessary after Camellia seed cake application. The dose 5 g/kg soil resulted in best plant growth promotion performance, which increased banana seedling height, stem diameter, shoot, and root fresh weight by upto 29%, 27%, 47%, and 21%, respectively. Plastic film mulching was beneficial when high amount (2%) of Camellia seed cake was added. The application of Camellia seed cake increased nutrient potassium amounts; the abundance of soil free-living nematodes, especially bacterivores; and the abundance of soil microbes and the soil catalase activity, while reduced plant-parasitic nematodes amounts. Further correlation analysis between the soil nematodes and microbial abundance showed that plant-parasite numbers had significant negative correlations with the bacterial biomass and a portion of the fungal biomass; bacterivores had significant positive correlations with the bacterial biomass; and omnivores had significant correlations with the bacterial biomass and fungal biomass. A fundamental challenge of root-knot nematode control is to sustain ecological services without losing biodiversity. This study provided an environmentally friendly strategy based on Camellia seed cake to regulate the soil health and quality.