Abstract
Bacillus subtilis SV41, B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum SV65 and Sargassum vulgare extracts were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting potential on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) plants. Bio-treatments applied singly and/or in combination were further compared to a compost tea and to a commercial bio-fertilizer (Acadian™). Results clearly showed that the combined treatments based on the two Bacillus spp. strains and the aqueous algal extract and the last one mixed with B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum SV65 induced the highest enhancements in the plant height and the maximum root length which were estimated at 32.4-33.9%, 23.9-25.5% and 23.4-25% and at 36.8-41%, 32.9-37.4% and 36.3-40.5% compared to water, compost tea and Acadian™ based treatments, respectively. Furthermore, the combined treatment based on the aqueous algal extract and B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum SV65 had significantly improved eggplant growth where the recorded increments in the stem diameter, the aerial part fresh weight, and the root fresh weight varied from 17.5 to 24.6%, 38.4 to 46.1%, and 32.3 to 50% as compared to the three controls, respectively. As for single treatments tested, the aqueous extract had induced a significant improvement in the major growth parameters measured. Developed bio-stimulant was found to be more effective than compost tea and commercial bio-fertilizer based treatments.
Highlights
The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) contributes to the diversification of market gardening products and constitutes a new product requested by foreign markets
Results clearly showed that the combined treatments based on the two Bacillus spp. strains and the aqueous algal extract and the last one mixed with B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plan‐ tarum SV65 induced the highest enhancements in the plant height and the maximum root length which were estimated at 32.433.9%, 23.925.5% and 23.425% and at 36.841%, 32.937.4% and 36.340.5% compared to water, compost tea and AcadianTM based treatments, respectively
In view of previous studies, aqueous and methanolic extracts from a brown macroalgae (S. vul‐ gare) were assessed singly and in combination with two endophytic bacteria i.e B. subtlis SV14 and B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum SV65 for egg plant growth. Both Bacillus spp. used in this study showed growth and health biostimulating effects on tomato plants through their capacity to produce indole3acetic acid, organic acids siderophore and their ability to solubilize phosphate and to biocontrol Fusarium wilt disease in tomato (Aydi Ben Abdallah et al, 2017, 2018)
Summary
The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) contributes to the diversification of market gardening products and constitutes a new product requested by foreign markets. In Tunisia, the exported quantities over the past five years were estimated at 187 tons. The export rate remains low compared to 56 thousand tons recorded in 2013/2014 agricultural campaign concentrated in tomato, watermelon, potato, and salad crops. To meet the requirements of consumers and increase the competitiveness of our exports at the interna tional markets level, significant efforts have been made in terms of improving quality and productivity of this crop (GIL, 2020). According to Gandhi and Sundari (2012), eggplant is widely used for medicinal features to reduce blood cholesterol and to regulate hypertension. Due to these benefits, the demand of eggplant and its production is expected to increase (Sowinska and Krygier, 2013)
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