Abstract
The use of ecofriendly strategies, such as the use of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria, to improve the yield and quality of crops has become necessary to satisfy the growing demand of food and to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this study, we report the effects of an innovative microbial inoculation technique, namely Effective Microorganisms (EM), compared with traditional approaches, on productivity and nutritional aspect of four tomato varieties: Brandywine, Corbarino Giallo, S. Marzano Cirio 3, S. Marzano Antico. Results showed an increase of plant productivity as well as an enhanced antioxidant activity mainly in San Marzano Antico and Brandywine varieties treated with EM technology. Moreover, the polyphenol and carotenoid contents also changed, in response to the plant treatments. In conclusion, the application of EM® technology in agriculture could represent a very promising strategy in agricultural sustainability.
Highlights
Agriculture 2021, 11, 112. https://According to the data published by the Department of Economic and Social AffairsPopulation Division of the United Nations, the human population was 7.7 billion in 2019 and it is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.9 billion in 2100 [1]
The Effective Microorganisms (EM) treatment (Bokashi plus EM-1), which was applied to the soil and during the growth of tomato plants significantly affected the productivity of San Marzano Antico and Brandywine varieties, including the number and weight of the fruits (Table 1)
The total yield expressed as Kg of fruits was improved by BIODIN and BOK+EM
Summary
The worldwide increase in world’s population has generated a growing demand of food, and the need of developing innovative techniques to enhance agricultural productivity [2]. Manures, and pesticides represent the conventional strategies adopted to increase crop yields and to preserve the plants from pests [3]. The indiscriminate use of these chemical products damages the environment by polluting soil, air, and water [4,5,6,7]. The unforeseen harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, together with the need of providing enough food to the growing world population, led politicians and researchers to focus on sustainability applied to intensive agriculture. The development of new eco-friendly strategies in intensive agriculture is necessary to counteract environmental, ecological, and health risks
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