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EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS AND CHABAZITIC-ZEOLITES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT QUALITY OF ECHINOPSIS HYBRIDS

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The aim of the research was to improve the growth and quality of Echinopsis hybrids plants. Substrates with added chabazitic-zeolites and Effective microorganisms were used, in addition to assessing seed germination and plant growth after treatment, the test examined whether microorganisms sprayed on flowers could influence and attract pollinating insects. The trial included 4 tests: 1) substrates for the cultivation of shoots; 2) substrates for the evaluation of seed germination; 3) effect of substrates on flower production; 4) spray treatment with microorganisms to evaluate the behaviour of bees. The substrates used have included the use of soil and inert materials or soil with the addition of zeolite and chabasite and effective microorganisms. The results showed that the use of zeolites and EM microorganisms increase the quality characteristics of Echinopsis plants, in terms of vegetative and radical growth, increase in seed germination and flowering duration.
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A Peer Reviewed International Journal of Asian
Academic Research Associates
AARJMD
ASIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY
EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS AND CHABAZITIC-ZEOLITES FOR THE
IMPROVEMENT QUALITY OF ECHINOPSIS HYBRIDS
DOMENICO PRISA1
1CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for
Agricultural Research
and Economics, Via dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, PT, Italy
Abstract
The aim of the research was to improve the growth and quality of Echinopsis hybrids
plants.
Substrates with added chabazitic-zeolites and Effective microorganisms were used, in
addition to assessing seed germination and plant growth after treatment, the test examined
whether microorganisms sprayed on flowers could influence and attract pollinating insects.
The trial included 4 tests: 1) substrates for the cultivation of shoots; 2) substrates for the
evaluation of seed germination; 3) effect of substrates on flower production; 4) spray
treatment with microorganisms to evaluate the behaviour of bees.
The substrates used have included the use of soil and inert materials or soil with the
addition of zeolite and chabasite and effective microorganisms.
The results showed that the use of zeolites and EM microorganisms increase the quality
characteristics of Echinopsis plants, in terms of vegetative and radical growth, increase in
seed germination and flowering duration.
Key-words: alternative substrates, cactus, plant quality, EM, zeolites, bees
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Introduction:
Succulent plants, are those plants that are able to accumulate water in their tissues in order to
survive long periods of drought. Succulent is therefore the most correct name, since the
swelling consists of juice. It is often used to distinguish between cacti and succulent plants, to
indicate with the former those plants belonging to the family of the same name, and with the
latter all the other families of succulent non cacti.
The highest concentration of succulents is found between the 40th parallel north and south of
the Equator. However, we can find up to 56° north latitude and 50° south latitude(Anderson,
2001).
This large belt, geomorphologically very diverse, is characterized by dry periods, sometimes
even long, alternating with other rainy, or where frequent fogs are in the absence of rain, as
happens in the deserts of the coastal strip of Namibia and the Peruvian Andes. But we also
encounter the equatorial forest with its warm-humid climate, the steppe, the savannah, the
plateaus and the mountains (Cecarini, 2011). The echinopsis that will be treated in this
article, have as their main habitat Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. They are plants
with a globular, then cylindrical shape, with thorny, semi-rustic ribs. Some live in the shelter
of desert grasses, others in the mountains even at high altitudes. They often emit plantlets in
large quantities. Very large flowers, sometimes perfumed, not very long-lasting, with a long
peduncle; many hybrids with wonderful shades are produced. The genus Echinopsis hyb. now
includes also Pseudolobivia, Lobivia, Trichocereus, Helianthocereus, Soehrensia. (Cecarini,
2011).
EM includes a selection of live cultures of naturally isolated micro-organisms from soils
(Mohan, 2008); EM micro-organisms include 83 bacterial and fungal strains of different
species, of optional aerobic and anaerobic type (Olle and Williams, 2015). The main activity
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of EM is to increase soil biodiversity. Photosynthetic bacteria that are part of EM in synergy
with other microorganisms increase the energy substances available to plants and reduce
stress (Condor et al., 2007). The interaction of EM microorganisms with the plant-soil system
suppresses plant pathogens and disease agents, solubilises soil minerals, increases energy,
maintains soil microbial flora balance, increases photosynthetic efficiency and nitrogen
fixation (Subadiyasa, 1997). Zeolites, on the other hand, are special minerals with unique
properties: high and selective cation exchange (CSC) capacity; reversible dehydration;
molecular absorption; catalytic behaviour. Zeolites have different applications in agriculture,
in particular chabazitic-zeolites (a type of zeolite of which the Italian soil is very rich) can be
used both in substrates to replace inert matrices (vermiculite, perlite, pumice) with significant
effects on plant growth and stress resistance, reducing the use of water and fertilizers, and in
open field resulting in an increase in the structural properties of soils and microbial
colonization.
For the properties that can provide the substrate of cultivation with the addition of zeolites
and EM microorganisms, in this experiment has been evaluated the possibility of improving
the germination, the cultivation cycle and the flowering of Echinopsis hybrids, cacti that
often meet different problems from this point of view.
Material and methods
Greenhouse experiment and growing conditions
The trials, which began in early January 2017, were carried out at a local grower in
Rosignano Solvay (Li) on plants of Echinopsis hybrids (cacti). The experiment was divided
into 4 parts:
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Test 1) Plantlets of about 2 cm, two different hybrids of Echinopsis (hyb. "Maria Piazza"
and "Arabesque") were placed in 10 pots, in two different mixtures of substrates to assess the
enlargement. 3 plantlets per pot were cultivated, for 20 pots, for 3 replicas, 180 plantlets per
thesis in total.
From 1.1.2017 to 4.1.2018, the enlargement in terms of diameter of the plantlets, the number
of total thornes and the root weight were evaluated.
The two substrates used were:
- control (CTRL): soil for acidophilic plants 40%, volcanic lapillus 30%, quartz sand 30%,
trivalent fertilizer 7-14-21;
- treated (T): soil for acidophilic plants 40%, chabazitic-zeolites 30%, quartz sand 30%,
effective microorganisms in dilution 1:100 (root irrigation and treatment once a month),
trivalent fertilizer 7-14-21;
Test 2) Seeds of Echinopsis ‘Ishtar’ divided into 3 replicas of 100 per pot , ø 10, were sown
in 4 different mixtures of substrates. The percentage of germination and the TMG (average
time of germination) were then evaluated. The four substrates used were:
- Control1 (CTRL1): 70% acidophilic soil, 30% vermiculite;
- Control2 (CTRL2): 70% acidophilic soil, 20% perlite, 10% quartz sand;
- control3 (CTRL3): 20% acidophilic soil, 80% pumice;
- treated (T1): 70% acidophilic soil, 30% chabazitic-zeolites, Effective microorganisms in
dilution 1:100 (initial tanning of seeds and spraying with soil once every 15 days);
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Test 3) Plants of the three-year-old Echinopsis 'Calida' hybrid were grown in four different
substrate mixtures, the number of flowers produced and the duration of the flowers in hours
were subsequently evaluated.
The four substrates used were:
- control1 (CTRL1): 40% acidophilic soil, 30% volcanic lapillus, 30% quartz sand, trivalent
fertilizer 7-14-21;
- control2 (CTRL2): 80% acidophilic soil, 20% perlite, trivalent fertiliser 7-14-21;
- control3 (CTRL3): 80% acidophilic soil, 20% pumice, trivalent fertiliser 7-14-21;
- treated (T1): 70% acidophilic soil, 30% chabazitic-zeolites , Effective microorganisms in
dilution 1:100 (root irrigation and treatment once a month), trivalent fertilizer 7-14-21;
Test 4) The number of flights carried out by bees on the flowers of Echinopsis hyb has also
been assessed. "Zeus", "Icarus" and "Aurora" plants, treated with EM microorganisms (20
plants for each hybrid), compared to control plants sprayed with water only (20 plants for
each hybrid), for a total of 120 plants. This is to assess whether the lactobacilli present in the
EM selection can in any way have a booster effect on bees. The spraying with
microorganisms was done both in the substrate and on the newly opened flowers. The
evaluation of the number of pollinations carried out by bees on echinopsis flowers was
carried out within a week, always between 10 and 12 in the morning.
Statistics
The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design. Collected data were
analysed by one-way ANOVA, using GLM univariate procedure, to assess significant (P
0.05, 0.01 and 0.001) differences among treatments. Mean values were then separated by
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LSD multiple-range test (P = 0.05). Statistics and graphics were supported by the programs
Costat and Excel.
Results
The test showed that zeolites and EM microorganisms can improve the quality and
cultivation characteristics of a cacti species such as Echinopsis. In the (Table 1-2) in fact it is
noticed as the mixture based on chabazitic-zeolites and EM (treated), has determined a
significant increase of the dimensions of the plantlets, of the number of thorns and of the
radical weight, in comparison to the control based on conventional substrate, both in the
hybrid "Maria Piazza", and "Arabesque".
Also the germination test (Fig.1) showed how the treatment with zeolites and EM can
significantly increase the germination percentage of seeds and reduce the TMG (average
germination time).
In fact, the germination rate passes from 88% in the thesis treated with chabazitic-zeolites
and EM, to 67% germination in the control with vermiculite to 30%. As far as the TMG is
concerned, passes from the 26 days of the thesis treated with chabazitic-zeolites and EM to
the 35 days of the control with perlite and quartz sand. The test carried out on the hybrid
"Calida" (Fig.2) showed that the thesis treated with zeolite and EM microorganisms was able
to determine a significant increase in the number of flowers (34.22) and in the duration of the
flowers (28.12 days), compared to controls with traditional substrate (control1, 22.06 flowers
and 18.05 days; control2, 18.12 flowers and 16.10 days; control3, 16.04 flowers and 19.11
days). Interesting fact is highlighted in particular, in plants treated with EM selection,
characterized mainly by lactobacilli and yeasts. The EM microorganisms were in fact able to
significantly increase the number of flights and pollinations of flowers in the hybrids "Zeus",
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"Icarus" and "Aurora" (112, 126 and 135) compared to controls sprayed with water only (32,
41 and 46) (Fig.3).
Discussion
The use of zeolites and EM microorganisms can guarantee, as demonstrated by this evidence,
a clear improvement in the quality of the plants in cultivation.
In the literature, the use of zeolites in agronomy highlights the following economic and
environmental advantages: 1) qualitative and quantitative improvement of production; 2)
reducing the use of fertilizers and fertilizers; 3) reducing the consumption of water for
irrigation; 4) reducing the hydrological system. (Mumpton 1978, 1984; Barbarick and
Piraeus, 1984; Allen and Ming, 1995; Chelishchev, 1995; Ming and Allen, 2001; Passaglia
and Marchi, 2002).
Zeolites and, more particularly, chabazitic-zeolites, in fact, once introduced in the cultivation
substrate or in open field, can increase the quality of the plants, retaining water and fertilizers
and making them available when needed (Prisa and Burchi, 2015). The use of EM
microorganisms can ensure an increase in soil fertility and a rebalancing of microbial fauna,
which is very important for the absorption of nutrients and water by plants (Prisa, 2017).
Even in cacti, as demonstrated by these tests, the use of zeolites in synergy with EM
microorganisms can ensure a significant increase in plant growth, root improvement, seed
germination and flowers number and duration, aspects also highlighted on other ornamental
and horticultural species (Prisa and Burchi, 2015; Prisa, et al., 2016; Prisa 2016, Pavlovic et
al., 1998; Idris et al., 2008; Marambe and Sangakkara, 1996).
The treatment with microorganisms also seems interesting because the data shown shows that
they can attract useful insects, such as bees, to the flowers (fig.4). For both zeolites and
microbial products, I would like to underline the use of quality materials, which is of
fundamental importance for repeatable and long-lasting results.
Conclusion
These trials showed several benefits that can be obtained through the use of chabazitic-
zeolites and effective microorganisms: improvement of quality in Echinopsis hybrids plants,
in terms of vegetative and radical growth, better use of fertilizers and water, increase in seed
germination and flowering duration. The test also showed that EM microorganisms can
attract pollinating insects to flowers, in particular bees
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Allen E.R., Ming D.W., (1995). Recent progress in the use of natural zeolites in agronomy
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Anderson, E.F., (2001). The cactus family, Timber Press.
Barbarick K.A. e Pirela H.J., (1984). Agronomic and horticultural uses of zeolites: a review.
Zeo-Agriculture. Use of Natural zeolites in agriculture and Aquaculture. W.G. Pond & F.A.
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.uofg.edu.sd/index.php/GJAS/article/view/4. date accessed: 06 Apr.2013
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crops in India. Journal of Organic Systems, 3:23-36.
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environmental soil remediation. Natural zeolites: Occurrence, properties, Applications.
Reviews in mineralogy & Geochemistry. 45 (D.L. Bish & D.W. Ming, eds.), The
mineralogical society of America, Washington, 619-654.
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zeolites: Occurence, Properties, Use (L.B. Sand & F.A. Mumpton, eds), Pergamon Press,
Oxford, 3-27.
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Table 1 - Effect of zeolites and Effective microorganisms on the growth of Echinopsis hybrids "Maria
Piazza"
Treatment
Plantlet diameter at
3.1.2017
(cm)
Plantlet diameter at
4.1.2018
(cm)
Thornes number
(n°)
Root fresh weight
(g)
CTRL
2.40 ± 0.20 a
5.21 ± 1.03 b
118.12 ± 3.44 b
3.44 ± 0.76 b
T
2.33 ± 0.31 a
9.40 ± 1.35 a
196.17 ± 2.66 a
7.65 ± 1.28 a
Each value reported in the graph is the mean of three replicates ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis
performed through one-way ANOVA. Different letters for the same parameter indicate significant
differences according to LSD test (P = 0.05).
Table 2 - Effect of zeolites and Effective microorganisms on the growth of Echinopsis hybrids
“Arabesque”
Treatment
Plantlet diameter at
3.1.2017
(cm)
Plantlet diameter at
4.1.2018
(cm)
Thornes number
(n°)
Root fresh weight
(g)
CTRL
3.60 ± 0.45 a
10.22 ± 0.56 b
124.44 ± 1.87 b
6.55 ± 1.26 b
T
3.52 ± 0.37 a
14.18 ± 0.90 a
147.33 ± 3.06 a
12.32 ± 2.04 a
Each value reported in the graph is the mean of three replicates ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis
performed through one-way ANOVA. Different letters for the same parameter indicate significant
differences according to LSD test (P = 0.05).
Fig.1 - Effect of zeolites and Effective microorganisms on seed germination percentage and TMG (mean
germination time) of Echinopsis hybrids "Ishtar"
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Fig.2 - Effect of zeolites and Effective microorganisms on the number of flowers and the duration of
flowers in the Echinopsis hybrid "Calida"
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Each value reported in the graph is the mean of three replicates ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis
performed through one-way ANOVA. Different letters for the same parameter indicate significant
differences according to LSD test (P = 0.05).
Fig.3 - Number of bees placed on the flowers of Echinopsis hybrids after microbial and water spraying
treatment
Fig.4 Bees and bumblebees on Echinopsis flowers sprayed with EM microorganisms
... They are rare, beautiful, complex, and have unique crystal habits. Zeolite's unique physical and chemical properties are essential to environmental, agricultural, and health applications [41][42][43][44]. Water and wastewater treatment, pollution control, ammonium ion removal, and air and gas purification are some of the environmental applications for zeolite [45][46][47][48]. ...
... In addition, zeolitite chabazite, having a rough structure, causes problems of adherence to the leaf. As for fungi, on the other hand, it reduces moisture on the leaf and inhibits spore germination, as demonstrated in other scientific works by the same author [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48]. ...
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Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate whether differences exist between natural and dried chabazite zeolite in the cultivation of Friggitello peppers Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in January 2023, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on 'Friggitello' pepper seedlings. The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 16, 10 plants per 3 replications, for a total of 30 seedlings per experimental thesis. The pepper trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) peat 70% + pumice 30%; ii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + natural chabazite zeolite 20%; iii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + dried chabazite zeolite 20%. Plant height, number of leaves, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of fruits (peppers), fruit weight and the number of microorganisms in the substrate were determined on 18 July 2023. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of chabazite zeolite can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth and productive and size fruits of Friggitello pepper plants (Table 1). Clear differences in growth are evident between the use of natural zeolite (ZEONAT) and dried zeolite (ZEOESS), with the natural zeolite performing better with regard to all agronomic parameters analysed. In the substrate analysis, a greater presence of microbial biomass was found in the zeolite theses than in the control theses, with greater superiority of microorganisms in the substrate with natural chabsite zeolite. Zeolites are used successfully in the cultivation of many crops. Including cereals, vegetables, grapes and other fruits. By enhancing the absorption ability of soil, zeolite enhance the long-term quality of soil by retaining nutrients. Conclusions: Due to its high absorption rate, cation exchange, catalysis, and dehydration capacity, chabazite is the most common zeolite for agricultural applications. Therefore, zeolite fertilizers are used to improve plant growth by improving their value. Additionally, they can be used as molecular sieves or filters and retain nitrogen in the manure and sludge they produce. For agricultural production, zeolites must have uniform properties and have unique properties such as cation exchange capacity, pH, and B content. Important differences exist between the use of a natural zeolite and a dried one, especially in the significant presence of useful microbiology in the interactions with the plant, in terms of growth and protection.
... The chemical and physical properties of zeolites are the basis for their widespread and growing use in the following industrial sectors, as shown by numerous studies published in the 1980s and 1990s [32,33]. Zeolitites, both in their natural state and enriched with heavy metals, are used in the manufacture of hydraulic binders (cement, mortars) and as additives in the base mix for the production of floor tiles. ...
... The reduction of of fertilizers use as, as an integral part of the soil, increases its cation exchange capacity (CSC) and thus, temporarily remove ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3) not used by the crop and 6 consequently subject to lose through leaching into the groundwater in the form of nitrates and volatilization into the atmosphere in the form of greenhouse gases. All this contributes to the reduction of the retrogradation process of phosphorus (P) (from soluble monocalcium phosphate (CaH4P2O8) supplied by the fertilizer and to the assimilation by the crops of tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) through reaction with calcium (Ca) in the soil, insoluble phosphate and therefore not capable of being assimilated by the crops) ( Figure 4) [32,45]. ...
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In the light of current justified international concerns about pollution caused by both greenhouse gases and by current agricultural practices, as well as the management of livestock manure, zeolite rocks with a prevalent zeolite content (a mineral endowed with peculiar chemical-physical properties), are widely used worldwide. They have a high extraction potential and represent an effective and scientifically proven means of pollution control. Moreover, based on the results of countless laboratory and field experiments, zeolitites (in particular Italian chabazite) rich in potassium (K) but low in sodium (Na) and with high drainage and water retention properties, have an effective potential for environmental protection, reduction of fertilizers and irrigation water, and increase of agronomic production. In agriculture and horticulture, in particular, the permanent correction of agricultural soils and growing media with appropriate amounts of zeolitites makes it possible to reduce the input of synthetic fertilizers and water as well, in order to substantially increase yields in quantity and quality. However, there are few scientific articles describing the use of zeolite in agriculture and its benefits for farmers. This review is aimed at gaining a better insight into the application of zeolitites in agriculture, particularly in difficult climatic situations, and to provide more information on how these minerals can ensure both the reduction of the use of fertilizers and the increase of plant protection. In addition, details and explanations are provided on the term 'zeolitite' used in order to ensure higher quality agricultural products.
... We can highlight, for example, bacteria such as Bacillus, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium, as well as fungi such as Beauveria, Gliocladium, Pochonia, Metarhizium, and Trichoderma [29][30][31][32][33][34][35], as well as Actinomycetes such as Streptomyces [36,37]. As soil microorganisms occupy a large amount of the rhizosphere, they are close to plants, and they are also capable of forming biofilms that protect the roots against pathogens [38][39][40][41][42]. The beneficial microorganisms are supported by the host plant, taking advantage of the carbon-rich compounds contained in the root exudates, including sugars, amino acids, flavonoids, proteins and fatty acids that are crucial for their nutrition [43][44][45]. ...
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Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the use of new microbial strains on vegetable plants. In particular, the article will deal with two important topics: i) the study of the effect of microorganisms on the biomass of vegetable plants; ii) the possible control of mortality due to diseases such as powdery mildew and Cladosporiosis. The information reported in this research work can support the design of cropping systems in which agricultural sustainability is fundamental due to the presence of microorganisms with biostimulating activity and as a possible alternative to synthetic plant protection products. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early February 2024. The plants used in the trial were Cucurbita pepo L.. The six experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without microorganisms, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Paecilomyces lilacinus, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (4.5 x 10 6 spores/ml), 5ml of product sprayed per kg of substrate; iii) group with Azospirillum sp., irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (4 x 10 8 spores/g), 1g of mixed product per kg of substrate; iv) group with Glomus sp., irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 x 10 9 spores/g), 1g of mixed product per kg of substrate; v) group with Trichoderma viride, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3.6 x 10 8 spores/ml), 5ml of product sprayed per kg of substrate; vi) group with mix Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp. and Trichoderma viride, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (2.3 x 10 8 spores/ml) 5 ml of product sprayed per kg of substrate. On 5 June 2024, plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area per plant (mm2), primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, number and weight of fruits, flowers number and the number of plants dead from powdery mildew and cladosporiosis attacks were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of of different types of probiotic and plant defence microorganisms can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Cucurbita pepo L.. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control for the agronomic parameters analysed. The Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp. and Trichoderma viride treatment with a mix of microorganisms was significantly the best in terms of increasing vegetative and root biomass. Improvements were also found in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and root length. In addition, significant effects were found on the number of flowers and fruits as well as fruit weight. The trial also revealed the significant effect of the products on the control of powdery mildew and Cladosporiosis, in which case the product PL (Paecilomyces lilacinus) was the best on the two diseases. Conclusions: Experiments have shown that the use of microorganisms can significantly improve the growth, vegetative and root biomass of Cucurbita pepo L.. The treatment also offers increased resistance to mortality that can occur in nursery cultivation. A variety of horticultural and ornamental species have already been tested with microorganisms in GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 20(01), 338-348 339 previous trials, which highlight other interesting and innovative aspects of the use of microorganisms. Due to the importance of using microbial inoculums in plants, the new agricultural experiments are extremely important as they may allow the development of new products for organic and sustainable farming systems and lead to better results.
... As no species exists in isolation, soil microbiome characteristics are heavily influenced by these interactions. Compared to single-species culture [36,37], multispecies consortia for developing inoculants are considered more promising for agricultural applications [38]. Several species coexisting within a consortium can, for example, occupy a wide range of ecological niches without antagonistic behavior towards each other [39], allowing them to colonize the plant rhizosphere more effectively [40]. ...
Article
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Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of new microbial consortia obtained from the root systems of cacti and succulents in the rooting of Celtis australis and in the protection of certain fungal pathogens of this plant. The possible interaction between plants and substrate microorganisms in plant mortality was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in January 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia, Tuscany, Italy on 2-year-old Celtis australis plants obtained from seed. The seedlings were potted 16, 5 plants for 3 replications for each experimental thesis, for a total of 15 plants each. After 5 months of cultivation since transplanting, the following plant and substrate parameters were analysed in June 2024: plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of microorganisms in the substrate, pH of the substrate and number of dead plants for Ganoderma applanatum and Laetiporus sulphureus. In addition, the SPAD index was measured on three pinched leaves from the base to the apex of the crown of each plant. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of microorganisms introduced into the rooting substrate of Celtis australis plants can significantly increase vegetative and root growth, increase plant height and the number of leaves. There was also a significant increase in leaf area, root length and chlorophyll content as demonstrated by SPAD analysis. A very interesting aspect was also the increase in microbial biomass in the treated theses, particularly in the thesis (SYB), an inoculum of microorganisms obtained from the roots of cacti and succulents. The treatments with microorganisms in particular (SYB) resulted in a significant reduction in plant mortality caused by the pathogenic fungi Ganoderma applanatum and Laetiporus sulphurous. Conclusions: In light of possible climate change, it is also important to evaluate new microbial selections from plants that live in extreme environments, such as cacti and succulents. Plant productivity can be maintained while reducing environmental impact and increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses with microbial biofertilisers. In order to improve and speed up the growth of nursery plants, especially trees to be placed in the environment, it seems very important to develop innovative protocols to increase their rooting and vegetative growth.
... The micro-organisms, in turn, activate a series of metabolic processes that enable them to colonise the roots of plants to a high and stable density. Once root colonisation has taken place, PGPRs and BCAs exert their action through various mechanisms, both direct and indirect [15,16]. ...
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Research objective: In this study, the possibility of using different microbial types inoculated into the growing medium was evaluated in order to assess the growth-promoting potential of certain vegetable species. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early November 2023. The plants used in the trial were Cichorium intybus and Allium ampeloprasum. All plants were fertilised with a slow-release fertiliser (2 kg m-3 of Osmocote Pro® for 6 months) introduced into the growing medium at the time of transplanting. The six experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without microorganisms, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Pacilomyces lilacinus; iii) group with Azospirillum sp.; iv) group with Glomus sp.; v) group with Trichoderma viride; vi) group with mix Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp. and Trichoderma viride. On 11 January 2024, plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area per plant (mm 2), primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of microbial strains of various types can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Cichorium intybus and Allium ampeloprasum. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Azospirillum sp. and Glomus sp. treatments were statistically the best. Improvements were also found in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative and root biomass and root length. A very interesting aspect was also the ability of the microbial products to reduce plant mortality, particularly the application of Trichoderma viride in Cichorium intibus and all microbial treatments on Allium ampeloprasum. Conclusions: This experiment highlights other interesting and innovative aspects of the use of microorganisms, which have already been highlighted in previous trials on various vegetable and ornamental species. Given the importance of the application of microbial inoculums in plants, the new agricultural experiments are very important because they could enable the development of new products to be used in organic and sustainable farming systems and enable better results.
... In addition to agriculture, zeolites are used for ion exchange, filtering, odour removal, chemical sieving, water softening, and gas absorption [46]. Production, soil stabilization, building materials, anticorrosive paint components, defluorinating industrial wastes, desulphurizing flue gas, removing methylene blue and mercury, recovering copper from phosphate fixation, neutralizing acid waste, cleaning sewers, and removing heavy metals and ammonium ions are among them [47]. ...
Article
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Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the interaction that can develop between zeolite and microorganisms with beneficial effects on both the growth of Sedum palmeri and Sedum sieboldii and in the defence against Aphis sedii and Tetranychus urticae. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in January 2023, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E). The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 12, 10 plants per 3 replications, for a total of 30 seedlings per experiment. The Sedum trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): peat 70% + pumice 30% (CTRL); peat 70% + pumice 10% + chabazite natural zeolite 20%; peat 70% + pumice 30% + microorganisms (Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas kilonensis and Bacillus aryabhattai), 1g/Kg of substrate at the time of substrate preparation; peat 70% + pumice 10% + chabazite natural zeolite 20% and microorganisms (the same as those used in the thesis described above) in the same dosage. A second parallel experiment to control aphids and red spider mite involved: water treatment; treatment for aphids and red spider mite (soft potassium soap and azadirachtin 2.5 ml/l once a week; Kanemite 3 ml/l once a week); treatment for aphids and the alternative red spider mite (micronised zeolite 15g/l and microorganisms 1g/l, once a week). Plant height, leaves and flowers number, vegetative weight, root volume and length, microorganisms in the substrate, number of plants affected by aphids and red spider mite were determined on 15 September 2023. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of chabazite zeolite in combination with microorganisms can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Sedum palmeri and Sedum sieboldii plants. Differences in growth between the use of zeolite and microorganisms and the untreated control are evident, with a significant improvement when the two theses are combined for all agronomic parameters analysed. In the substrate analysis, a greater presence of microbial biomass was found in the theses with zeolite, microorganisms and zeolite together with microorganisms than in the control theses, with a greater superiority of microorganisms in the substrate when zeolite and microorganisms are used in combination. The trial with micronised zeolite and microorganisms showed a significant result on the control of aphids and red spider mites, with data comparable to those of treatment with conventional chemical products. Zeolites are used successfully in the cultivation of many crops. Including cereals, vegetables, grapes and other fruits. By enhancing the absorption ability of soil, zeolite enhance the long-term quality of soil by retaining nutrients. Conclusions: For agricultural production, zeolites must have uniform properties and unique characteristics, such as cation exchange capacity and pH. Especially in agriculture and plant cultivation, zeolites improve their exchange World 1265 capacity with the soil and plants through microbial activity. By lowering the pH of the substrate, microorganisms are able to solubilise the minerals retained by the zeolites, making them more available to the roots. Furthermore, zeolites, when micronised on the leaves, do a good job of protecting plants from insects and fungi, especially when used as a preventive measure. This can also ensure a significant reduction in synthetic chemicals and improve plant protection when these strategies are used in combination.
... As a result of their limited effectiveness against a narrow range of diseases and phytotoxicity to crops, many fungicides are not satisfactory [36]. Consequently, it has been desired to develop highperformance chemicals that have little phytotoxicity and are effective at low doses [37,38]. According to the researchers, they have extensively researched chemicals that have excellent antifungal activity against a wide variety of fruit and vegetable diseases but can also be safely applied to crops [39][40][41]. ...
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Research objective: This article aims to highlight how chabazite zeolite can lead to improved growth and protection of vine plants, in particular the benefits it can bring to crops in terms of plant development, reduced incidence of fungal diseases and pesticide reduction. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in January 2023, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Vitis vinifera cv 'Moscato giallo' and 'Passerina' plants. The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 16, 50 plants per 3 replications, for a total of 150 seedlings per experimental thesis. The first trial on Vitis vinifera involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilized): i) peat 70% + pumice 30%; ii) peat 70% + pumice 20% + zeolite chabazite 10%; iii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + chabazite zeolite 20%. The second trial included spray treatments with micronized zeolite on the leaves to assess the control of diseases such as Botrytis cinerea, Oidium tuckeri and downy mildew. The trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilized):  Control with treatment with water sprayed on the leaves every 10 days;  Control with copper-based treatment 1 kg/hl (copper oxychloride + lime) + folpet + sulphur 200g/hl, every 10 days;  Treated with chabazite zeolite 1.5 kg/hl + 250 g/hl (copper oxychloride) + sulphur, every 10 days. On 17 July 2023, plant height, vegetative weight, root volume and length, leaf area and the number of microorganisms in the substrate were determined. The number of plants affected by Botrytis cinerea, Oidium tuckeri and downy mildew was also assessed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of zeolite has chabazite added to the cultivation substrate at the rate of 10-20% can effectively improve the vegetative and root growth of Vitis vinifera. Furthermore, when micronized chabazite zeolite is sprayed on the leaves, it can better contain diseases such as Botrytis cinerea, Oidium tuckeri and Downy mildew, compared to the use of copper and sulphur alone. According to the researchers, they have extensively researched chemicals that have excellent antifungal activity against a wide variety of fruit and vegetable diseases but can also be safely applied to crops. This has led them to find out that copper-containing zeolites have excellent fungicidal activity while exhibiting no problematic phytotoxicity. Plant pathogenic fungi are controlled by using crystalline zeolite (in particular chabazite), an agricultural and horticultural fungicide. Conclusions: In recent years, rapid population growth and urbanization have limited the agricultural area's ability to produce more crops. To perform more efficient agricultural activities, higher nutrient application rates are needed and more efficient water irrigation systems must be used. The problem, however, is that a substantial amount of nutrients might be washed out, polluting water resources and reducing product yields if high rates of fertilizers are applied to
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Effective microorganisms (EM) is an innovative zero waste technology developed with a motive to utilize beneficial microorganisms for sustainable cultivation practices. Studies have shown that EM improves the soil quality and crop health. EM is also used as organic pesticide and fungicides. It interacts with the soil-plant ecosystem by controlling plant pathogens and disease agents, solubilizing minerals, increasing plant energy availability, stimulating the photosynthetic system and maintaining the microbiological balance of the soil. The products based on Effective Microorganisms, given the microbial multiplicity, contain various organic acids, antioxidants, enzymes and chelates. This review highlights the literature pertaining to use of EM inputs on various crops and their benefits on the soil and plant health management.
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