Growth Of Tomato Plants Research Articles

A Controlled-Release Nanofertilizer Improves Tomato Growth and Minimizes Nitrogen Consumption.

Minimizing the consumption of agrochemicals, particularly nitrogen, is the ultimate goal for achieving sustainable agricultural production with low cost and high economic and environmental returns. The use of biopolymers instead of petroleum-based synthetic polymers for CRFs can significantly improve the sustainability of crop production since biopolymers are biodegradable and not harmful to soil quality. Lignin is one of the most abundant biopolymers that naturally exist.In this study, controlled-release fertilizers were developed using a biobased nanocomposite of lignin and bentonite clay mineral as a coating material for urea to increase nitrogen use efficiency. Five types of controlled-release urea (CRU) were prepared using two ratios of modified bentonite as well as techniques. The efficiency of the five controlled-release nano-urea (CRU) fertilizers in improving the growth of tomato plants was studied under field conditions. The CRU was applied to the tomato plants at three N levels representing 100, 50, and 25% of the recommended dose of conventional urea. The results showed that all CRU treatments at the three N levels significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight, compared to the control. Additionally, most CRU fertilizers increased total yield and fruit characteristics (weight, length, and diameter) compared to the control. Additionally, marketable yield was improved by CRU fertilizers. Fruit firmness and acidity of CRU treatments at 25 and 50% N levels were much higher than both the 100% CRU treatment and the control. The vitamin C values of all CRU treatments were lower than the control. Nitrogen uptake efficiencies (NUpE) of CRU treatments were 47-88%, which is significantly higher than that of the control (33%). In conclusion, all CRU treatments at an N level of 25% of the recommended dose showed better plant growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomatoes than the conventional fertilizer.

An antagonist of Caenorhabditis elegans controls root-knot disease and promotes tomato plant growth

ABSTRACT Continuous cropping often leads to plant diseases caused by root-knot nematodes (RKN). Owing to the difficulty in laboratory culture of RKN, microbial biocontrol agents are mainly screened for through contact killing assay, which requires a substantial effort to acquire RKN. This study was undertaken to verify the feasibility of using Caenorhabditis elegans – a model nematode that can be easily grown in the laboratory – to screen for microbial antagonists against RKN. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Houpi Maofen 802) plants were grown in pots containing RKN-infested soil with and without inoculation of an antagonistic actinobacterial strain, designated Streptomyces albidoflavus T4. Exposure to T4 culture filtrate that contained catecholate siderophore and indole acetic acid resulted in a mortality rate of 95.4% for C. elegans and increased seed vigor by 113% for tomato. While root rotting rate and RKN incidence decreased following T4 inoculation, plant survival rate and stem diameter increased correspondingly. The root-associated microbiota of inoculated plants were optimized, as indicated by increased proportions of potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and decreased proportions of pathogenic fungi (e.g. Fusarium oxysporum). The results demonstrate the outstanding performance of S. albidoflavus T4 to control root-knot disease and benefit tomato plant growth through multifaceted mechanisms.

Impact of Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Tomato Plant Under Semi-Arid Climatic Condition of Quetta

Impact of Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Tomato Plant Under Semi-Arid Climatic Condition of Quetta

Effect of Organic Mulch and Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Growth and Yield of Tomato Plants

Net greenhouse experiment was conducted through the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons at Dokki protected cultivation experimental site, Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to investigate applied two factors organic mulch i.e., (bagasse, compost, palm fibers, mushroom spent, sawdust and control), mycorrhizal inoculation (with and without) and their interaction on growth and productivity of tomato plants. The seedlings of tomato cv. Super strain B was transplanted on the 15th October 2019 and 2020. The experimental design was split plot with three replicates. Results indicated that applied compost mulch treatment, without mycorrhizal inoculation and their interaction enhanced all vegetative growth characteristics i.e., (plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots, stem diameter, fresh and dry weights of plant). Whereas, applied compost mulch treatment, with mycorrhizal inoculation and their interaction improved chemical content of (N, P and K) in leaves and increased average fruit weight and total yield/m2.

Constraints using the liquid fraction from roadside grass as a bio‐based fertilizer

AbstractBackgroundRoadside grass cuttings are currently considered a waste product due to their association with road sweepings as contaminated waste, therefore, their potential as a biofertilizer is understudied.AimThis study aimed to determine whether grass liquid fraction (GLF) collected from a roadside verge in Maldegem, Belgium, and pressed using a screw press was suitable as a biofertilizer.MethodsThe characterization of the heavy metal content of the GLF was conducted using an ICP‐OES. From May to September 2019, a pot experiment was set up using a randomized block design to compare tomato plant growth, yield, and nutrition for GLF‐treated plants to two commercial fertilizers and tap water as a control.ResultsThe heavy metal content of the GLF was below the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) for organic fertilizers as set out by the European Comission fertilizer regulation 1069/2009 and 1107/2009 (European Comission, 2019). However, despite having a fairly well‐balanced nutrient content (0.1% N, 0.04% P2O5, and 0.2% K2O), GLF had a negative effect on the growth, root weight, and yield of the tomato plants, killing six out of ten plants. GLF also promoted mold growth in the soil of some plants. Since the GLF was uncontaminated, heavy metal toxicity did not cause the negative effect.ConclusionsPrevious research showed that liquid fractions from some plants negatively affect the growth of others due to allelopathic chemicals; this, together with the stimulation of fungal growth, could have caused the negative effects observed. Future experiments will investigate the herbicidal property of GLF and possible treatments to potentially recover the nutrients contained within the GLF for application as a biofertilizer.

The Importance of Initial Application of Biochar On Soil Fertility to Improve Growth and Productivity of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under Drought Stress

The Importance of Initial Application of Biochar On Soil Fertility to Improve Growth and Productivity of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under Drought Stress

Light quality regulates apical and primary radial growth of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum

For a horticultural crop such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the initial growth phase of young plants can take place in multi-layer systems to reduce space. Here LEDs form the ideal lighting system, as they decouple light intensity from heating and can thus be placed in close proximity to the plants. Moreover, the spectral quality control of LEDs may be utilized to steer the plants towards a desired compact and sturdy phenotype. To achieve this, we must understand how light quality affects plant elongation and stem thickness during early plant development. Therefore, we assessed apical and radial growth of tomato and Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) plants grown in white, red, or blue LED conditions. Our analysis revealed that in both species the red LED condition increased cell elongation in hypocotyls and stems, whereas the blue LED condition decreased cell elongation, compared to the white light condition. In seedlings, hypocotyls were thinner in the red LED condition, and thicker in the blue LED condition, compared to white light. However, in flowering plants, Arabidopsis showed sensitivity of primary radial growth to light quality, while tomato plants appeared indifferent. Finally, analysis of Arabidopsis photoreceptor mutants suggested that cryptochromes and type II phytochromes are the main regulators of light-mediated apical and primary radial growth. To summarize, LEDs can be used to regulate both apical and primary radial plant growth, but the resulting phenotypes may be plant age- or species-specific.

The Effectiveness of Saline Soil Rhizobacteria from the Coast of North Konawe Regency in Increasing Seed Viability and Vigor of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)

The aim of the study was to obtain potential indigenous rhizobacteria as growth promoters and adaptive to saline soils. The isolate was isolated from the saline soil rhizosphere on the coast in the North Konawe district. The study was conducted at the Agronomy Unit Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University from April to September 2022. The study was arranged based on a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of 19 test isolates. The isolates were tested for their effectiveness in increasing the viability and vigor of tomato seeds. The test was carried out using a seed biopriming technique, then the seeds were germinated using a standard germination procedure. The observed variables included maximum growth potential, seed germination, vigor index, seed uniformity, relative growth rate and T50. The results showed that seed treatment using rhizobacteria isolated from saline soil significantly increased tomato seeds' viability and vigor, as seen in the variables of maximum growth potential, germination, vigor index, relative growth rate and reduced T50. From this study, 6 isolates were selected which have the potential to stimulate the growth of tomato seeds, namely KNU2, KNU3, KNU8, KNU13, KNU15 and KNU17. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of this isolate in increasing the growth and yield of tomato plants under salinity stress conditions in the field.

Transcriptional analysis reveals induction of systemic resistance in tomato treated with Chlorella microalgae

The application of algae-based products has been reported to promote plant growth and yield of tomato plants, especially by enhancing flowering. However, how microalgae (MA) affect plants at the molecular level remains elusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of live microalgae application on plant photosynthesis and the transcriptome of the unopened flower buds of tomato plants. Microalgae increased leaf temperature differential in tomato leaves but hardly affected photosynthesis. Contrary to our expectations, RNA-seq data revealed remarkable differential expression of several genes participating in responses to abiotic stresses but only a few genes involved in flowering or pollen/ spore development. Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins (mostly dehydrins), oleosins, ethylene, and abscisic-related genes, and Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex (NAC)-domain-containing proteins were upregulated. Genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were also differentially expressed; glycolysis-related genes were upregulated, while those involved in sugar transport were downregulated. The only upregulated gene implicated in the induction of flowering was Solyc07g006500.3.1 (encoding trehalose-6-phosphate synthase enzyme TPS1). Overall, microalgae treatment led to an empirical upregulation of genes involved in jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene pathways which are all essential for abiotic stress response. This study shows that microalgae treatment primed plants by inducing the expression of genes involved in response to abiotic stress, especially cold and water stress, as well as pathogen attack.

Significance of chitosan foliar spraying on the growth and yield of vegetable crop under protected cultivation: A Review

Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is manufactured industrially from crab shells. It has been used as a better material for improving vegetable growth and yields, as well as a protective mechanism against fungi, bacteria and viruses. Because of its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and bioactivity, the biopolymer "Chitosan" has generated a lot of interest for its potential wide application in agriculture. Chitosan acts as an inducer in many species of plants. It not only works by triggering the immune system of plants, but it also enhances crop yields. Chitosan increased plant efficacy in reducing the negative effect of adverse circumstances as well as plant growth. The main objective of this review paper is to synthesize the most recent literature on the influence of chitosan foliar spraying on the development and yield properties of various vegetables, as well as to foster academic collaboration.. For instance, 100 ppm level of foliar spraying of chitosan have effects on the average plant height, medium number of leaves, area of leaves, the content of chlorophyll and fruits weight of tomato plant growth parameters, whereas chitosan at 4 mL per litre improved the minerals situation in cucumber and this substance also significantly lowered the damaging Powdery mildew in okra. This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of foliar spraying chitosan in conjunction with other chemical substances on plants. The current research has been done for future studies aimed at improving the foliar application of chitosan for horticultural production, particularly vegetable yield and growth.

The Effect of a New Derivative of Benzothiadiazole on the Reduction of Fusariosis and Increase in Growth and Development of Tulips

The use of inducers of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is widely described in the literature. Such substances have important advantages over plant protection products (PPPs) and, thus, are often indicated as their alternatives. The main risk indicated in the context of the widespread use of SAR inducers is that of yield reduction that may result from the excessive metabolic imbalance of the treated plant. The general aim of the study presented was to check the effect of using a new active substance, namely N-methoxy-N-methylbenzo(1.2.3)thiadiazole-7-carboxamide (BTHWA), on tulips cultivated in greenhouse conditions. The plant response to BTHWA treatment was also analyzed in terms of the extent to which the growth–immunity phenomena would occur. Surprisingly, the application of BTHWA provided not only efficient protection against fusariosis but also resulted in the stimulation of the growth and development of tomato plants. The results proved very interesting as they stand in contrast to other results on SAR induction. The method of BTHWA application used in this study resulted in SAR induction at a level sufficient to provide effective protection and, at the same time, did not cause disruption to plant metabolism that would result in yield reduction.

Influence of bacterial endophytes on plant growth and fruit yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Influence of bacterial endophytes on plant growth and fruit yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Development of Zn biofertilizer microbeads encapsulating Enterobacter ludwigii-PS10 mediated alginate, starch, poultry waste and its efficacy in Solanum lycopersicum growth enhancement

In the present farming era, rhizobacteria as beneficial biofertilizers can decrease the negative effects of Zinc (Zn) agrochemicals. However, their commercial viability and utility are constrained by their instability under field conditions. Thus, to enhance their stability, microbial formulations are considered, which will not only offer an appropriate microenvironment, and protection but also ensure a high rate of rhizospheric-colonization. The goal of this study was to create a new formulation for the Zn-solubilizing bacteria E. ludwigii-PS10. The studied formulation was prepared using the extrusion technique, wherein a composite solution containing alginate, starch, zinc oxide, and poultry waste was uniformly mixed with the bacterial strain PS10 to develop low-cost, eco-friendly, and slow-release microbeads. The produced microbead was spherical, and characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Further, the microbeads were analyzed for their survival stability over 3 months of storage at room temperature and 4 °C. The effect of the microbead on the vegetative growth of tomato plants was investigated. Results showed that 94 % of the encapsulated microbial beads (EMB) matrix was able to encapsulate the bacterial strain PS10. The dried EMB demonstrated a moisture content of 2.87 % and was able to preserve E. ludwigii-PS10 survival at room temperature at the rate of 85.6 %. The application of the microbead to the tomato plants significantly increased plant biomass and Zn content. As a result, our findings support the use of this novel EMB prepared using an alginate/poultry waste/starch mixture to increase bacterial cell viability and plant growth.

PENGARUH VARIASI KAPASITAS PEMANAS TERHADAP KONDISI SUHU DAN KELEMBABAN SERTA DURASI PEMANASAN PADA SCREENHOUSE BERBASIS EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM

The unpredictable weather changes in Indonesia cause various problems for the agricultural sector. One of which is the decline in productivity of farmers' crops up to 40% which is caused by non-optimal environmental conditions during the plant growth process. To be able to adapt to these conditions, it is necessary to have an optimal system of environmental conditioning for plant growth. In this research, a screenhouse temperature and humidity conditioning system was designed for the growth of tomato plants as a horticultural commodity with high potential and high economic value in Indonesia. The system design is modeled and tested through simulation on Vensim software by varying the furnace capacity by 4oC/hour, 6oC/hour, and 10oC/hour in order to see its effect on the internal screenhouse temperature and heating duration. Based on the simulation results of system design, the heating rate and duration for each furnace capacity variation are 4.74oC/hour (135 minutes per cycle), 6.9oC/hour (75 minutes per cycle), and 11.76oC/hour (45 minutes per cycle). The furnace capacity value of 10oC/hour is considered to be optimal and more energy efficient because it only requires a heating process for 180 minutes per day to maintain the screenhouse internal temperature in optimal temperature range for tomato plant growth, which is 18 - 24 oC with an offside value of ±0.5 oC. The stable cooling rate value for this system is in the range of 1 – 1.8oC/hour.

Immobilized mesoporous materials for carvacrol delivery to the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum)

The immobilization of TiO2–SiO2 (TSO) materials on seed mats stands as a practical way to help the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum). Mesoporous materials are functionalized with triethanolamine (TEA) and loaded with the biocide molecule of carvacrol (CAR). The effect of CAR on the parameters of germination percentage, germination time, root, shoot length, and chlorophyll content of seeds and/or tomato seedlings are investigated. The germination experiments were carried out using seed mats coated with the TSO materials, also TSO powdered materials were put directly on the tomato seeds to study their effect on germination. Direct deposition of TSO composites achieved the complete germination and longer shoots due to the cooperative interactions among nanomaterials, carvacrol, and the tomato seed. However, the handling of the seeds and the detrimental effect of powder in the germination system made difficult the application with agricultural purposes. The plastic seed mats provide a practical system with lower germination, but more homogenous growth of root/shoot is possible. Surprisingly, in this methodology the carvacrol presents a detrimental effect on germination due to less interaction with the seeds. The handling of seeds and recover of the nanomaterials and its reuse are advantages of the plastic seed mats, which together with less wastage of seeds suggest a potential use in agriculture. The as-synthetized TSO NPs, together with the functionalization of triethanolamine and carvacrol used to promote the health germination of the seeds, allows the control of the time for seed germination, germination %, and length for the root/shoot of seed tomato germination. The immobilization of mesoporous materials results in an alternative to help the germination and early growth of agricultural plants searching to avoid the lixiviation of nanomaterials to the environment.

Influence of Vermicompost Derived from Rice Straw, Neem Leaves, and Cow Dung on Plant Growth Parameters of Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of vermicompost derived from different combinations of rice straw, cow dung, and neem leaves on growth and productivity of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Methods: The vermicomposting studies are performed with rice straw, cow dung, and neem leaves in plastic containers under ambient conditions using Eisenia fetida species of earthworm. The vermicomposts (A, B, and C) are used with soil to evaluate influence on growth and productivity of tomato plants as compared with compost, commercial organic fertilizer, and control, i.e. T1: soil + vermicompost A, T2: soil + vermicompost B, T3: soil + vermicompost C, T4: soil + compost, T5: soil + commercial organic fertilizer, and T6: only soil (control). Findings: The vermicompost (C) produced with the highest stock density (40) of Eisenia fetida showed maximum improvement in growth parameters and productivity of tomato plants (T3), i.e. 6.13, 11.2, 1.14, 2.82, 3.65, 0.30, 15.3 fold, and 7.58% increase in mean leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, plant weight, root weight and length, tomato number, and weight, respectively. There is found positive correlation between physicochemical parameters of the vermicompost and productivity of tomato plants. The vermicompost showed the best growth and productivity in tomato plants as compared with commercial organic fertilizer, compost, and control. Novelty: The present study is performed under cool and humid climate of Gurugram from October 2021 to January 2022. Neem leaves improved nutritional quality of vermicompost at same stock density of Eisenia fetida. Keywords: Earthworm; Eisenia fetida; Rice straw; Tomato plant; Vermicompost; Compost

Design of IoT-Based Tomato Plant Growth Monitoring System in The Yard

The development of tomato plants to produce good fruit cannot be separated from environmental factors that affect their growth and development of tomato plants. These factors include soil moisture, soil pH, temperature, or the amount of light received by tomato plants. The need for water in tomato plants is also very important for their continued growth. Monitoring the development of tomato plants in home gardens based on IoT (Internet of Things) is a monitoring system that utilizes IoT technology to collect, transmit, and analyze data about tomato plants in real-time. In this system, sensors connected to the internet network will be installed on tomato plants to measure several parameters such as soil moisture, air temperature, light intensity, and soil nutrient / pH levels in plants. The collected data will be sent to an IoT platform that will be able to analyze the data. The results of the analysis will be used to make decisions regarding plant care, such as providing water or nutrients that the plants need to grow properly. With cameras to monitor the physical development of the plants, plant height, and fruit development. With this system, communities and farmers can grow tomato plants and can monitor and control plant conditions in real-time through smartphone applications. By utilizing IoT technology, monitoring the development of tomato plants becomes more efficient and accurate. Communities and farmers can take preventive measures to avoid plant disorders and diseases before it's too late, to increase the production and quality of crops.

Paraburkholderia tagetis sp. nov., a novel species isolated from roots of Tagetes patula enhances the growth and yield of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato).

A multifunctional, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile by flagella, short-rod shaped bacteria, designated strain RG36T was isolated from roots of marigold plant (Tagetes patula) sampled at Dongguk University, Republic of Korea. A 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the closest phylogenetic neighbors were Paraburkholderia acidiphila 7Q-K02T (99.0%) and Paraburkholderia sacchari IPT101T (98.9%) of the family Burkholderiaceae. The draft genome size was 8.52 Mb (63.7% GC). The genome contained 7,381 coding sequences. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of strain RG36T with its most closely related species were only 83.1-88.7 and 27.6-36.7%, respectively. Strain RG36T contained Q-8 as the major respiratory quinone and its main fatty acids (>10%) were C16:0, C17:0 cyclo, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c). Strain RG36T accumulates polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB) and exhibits multiple plant growth-promoting properties including production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, protease, phosphate solubilization, and harboring gene clusters for its multifunctional properties. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of PGPR on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato). Result also confirmed the ability of strain RG36T to promote tomato plant growth, especially it increases the yield of tomatoes. Structural assessment of the bioplastic by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and GC-MS spectroscopy, which confirmed the structure of the polymer as PHB. Our study revealed the potential of strain RG36T to promote the growth of tomato plant and fruit yield by stimulating the various phytohormones, which could be use as bio-fertilizers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, and genome analysis showed that strain RG36T represents a novel species of the genus Paraburkholderia, for which the name Paraburkholderia tagetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RG36T (=KACC 22685T = TBRC 15696T).

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the function of SlPRE2 in multiple phytohormones biosynthesis, signal transduction and stomatal development in tomato

Transcriptomic, physiological, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed the potential mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates plant growth and stomatal size via multiple phytohormone pathways in tomato. Paclobutrazol resistance proteins (PREs) are atypical members of the basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family that regulate plant morphology, cell size, pigment metabolism and abiotic stress in response to different phytohormones. However, little is known about the network regulatory mechanisms of PREs in plant growth and development in tomato. In this study, the function and mechanism of SlPRE2 in tomato plant growth and development were investigated. The quantitative RT-PCR results showed that the expression of SlPRE2 was regulated by multiple phytohormones and abiotic stresses. It showed light-repressed expression during the photoperiod. The RNA-seq results revealed that SlPRE2 regulated many genes involved in photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, phytohormone metabolism and signaling, and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting the role of SlPRE2 in gibberellin, brassinosteroid, auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and salicylic acid regulated plant development processes. Moreover, SlPRE2 overexpression plants showed widely opened stomata in young leaves, and four genes involved in stomatal development showed altered expression. Overall, the results demonstrated the mechanism by which SlPRE2 regulates phytohormone and stress responses and revealed the function of SlPRE2 in stomatal development in tomato. These findings provide useful clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of SlPRE2-regulated plant growth and development in tomato.

Application of Seaweed Generates Changes in the Substrate and Stimulates the Growth of Tomato Plants

Ulva ohnoi is a cosmopolitan green seaweed with commercial potential given the biomass that may be generated. We evaluated the effects of substrate changes induced by U. ohnoi application on the vegetative response of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. First, the decomposition dynamics and N release of the dry seaweed biomass were studied using the litterbag method. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of seaweed powder (SP) or seaweed extract (SE) applications on substrate and plant growth. Additionally, the growth parameters responses evaluated were related to the changes in substrate properties associated with each treatment. The results showed that the dry seaweed biomass has a rapid rate of degradation (k = 0.07 day-1) and N release (k = 0.024 day-1). The SP application improved the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the substrate by increasing the availability of minerals, the fungi:bacteria ratio, and the growth morphophysiological parameters (length, area, dry and fresh weight), chlorophyll and mineral content. In contrast, SE treatment showed a positive effect on the root, mineral content, and soil microbes. This study highlights the agricultural potential of U. ohnoi powder as an alternative supplement that supports nutrition and promotes the vegetative growth of plants cultivated in soilless horticultural systems.