Application of Glomus deserticola as bio-fertilizer of Gasteraloe in saline growing medium and biocontrol of Fusarium sp.

Abstract

In this study the possibility of using a biostimulant based on Glomus deserticola to improve the growth and quality of Gasteraloe plants and protection against Fusarium sp. was evaluated. Objectives of the work were: i) use Glomus deserticola to assess whether the use of this Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can increase the growth rate of Gasteraloe plants generally slow in their growth cycle; ii) consider if the use of Glomus deserticola can lead to an increase in plant resistance under saline substrate conditions; iii) evaluate how the use of Glomus deserticola allows greater protection of plants from Fusarium sp. which often affects the roots of these succulents. The four experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without Glomus, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group without Glomus, irrigated with salt water (0.50 g of NaCl Kg-1 dry soil) and substrate previously fertilized; iii) group with Glomus deserticola, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iv) group with Glomus deserticola, irrigated with salt water (0.50 g of NaCl Kg-1 dry soil) and substrate previously fertilized. The test showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters analyzed in plants treated with Glomus deserticola on Gasteraloe cv. Magica and Gasteraloe aristata x platinum. The test also highlighted how the use of mycorrhizae in particular of Glomus spp. can determine a greater resistance against salt stress and greater protection against attacks of Fusarium sp. The application of mycorrhizae in the cultivation of succulent plants guarantees growers the possibility of obtaining a superior quality product, greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, an increase in the growth rate and mineral content of the tissues, aspects that are then found in the improvement of the quality of the plants and consequently their commercialization.