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AARJMD
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary
www.asianacademicresearch.org
23
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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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REFERENCES:
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F.A. (eds), Int. Comm. Natural Zeolites, Brockport, New York, 477-490.
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.
Mumpton (eds.), Westview press, Boulder, Colorado, 93-103
Cecarini, M., (2011). Piante grasse. Le cactacee. Guida pratica completa per coltivare,
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(Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) to application of effective microorganisms.Gezira journal of
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crops in India. Journal of Organic Systems, 3:23-36.
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Reviews in mineralogy & Geochemistry. 45 (D.L. Bish & D.W. Ming, eds.), The
mineralogical society of America, Washington, 619-654.
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agriculture. Use of natural zeolites in agriculture and Aquaculture ( Pond W.G. & Mumpton
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Olle, M., Williams, I.H. (2015). The influence of Effective Microorganisms on the growth
and Nitrate content of vegetable transplants. Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies,
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
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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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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 (FEBRUARY 2019) ISSN : 2319 - 2801
Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary
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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