Improved Productivity of Superior Seedless Grapevines Using Irradiated Compost and Bio-Fertilization in the Desert Land

Abstract

The application of some biofertilizers and irradiated compost for replacement of NPK chemical fertilizers was studied on fiveyear-old superior seedless grapevine to determine the best dosage that would improve growth, yield and berry characteristicsand reduce the rates of mineral fertilizations of NPK without any negative effect. The experiment was conducted in a vineyard located at Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road in 2015 and 2016 seasons. The experiment consisted of six treatments, namely, 100% NPK (control), 100% NPK + microbein, 50% NPK + 50% irradiated compost (IC), 50% NPK + 50% irradiated compost + microbein, 100% irradiated compost and 100% irradiated compost + microbein. All treatments were very effective in stimulating growth characters as well as physical and chemical characteristics of the berries in relation to the control tre atment. Petiole NPK %, leaf chlorophyll content and cane carbohydrate content were increased more than the control. In addition, the cluster weight was significantly increased and as a result, yield per vine was increased. The highest superior effect was recorded in response to 100% IC + microbein application. This improvement could be attributed to the positive influence upon the biosynthesis of the primary metabolites (soluble carbohydrates, chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments) and secondary metabolites (proteins, polyphenols, auxins). In addition, both compost especially when irradiated and biofertilizers increase the availability and uptake of N, P and K, which was reflected on the growth parameters. Finally, irradiated compost alone or combined with microbein could be used as a valid alternative method to the expensive hazardous mineral fertilizers.

A Consortium of Soil Bacteria Mediates the Partial Replacement of Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Grapevine Cultivation in Sandy Soil

“…Clearly, the combination between 80% NPK and PGPRs consortium caused an improvement in vegetative growth characters and bud behavior of inoculated vines in comparison to control, 60 and 40% NPK levels, respectively, in the two growing seasons. Application of PGPR consortium significantly increased number of leaves, branch length and leaf area, which agrees with [54] on Flam Seedless. These positive effects of PGPR inoculation on growth traits of colonized vines are the result of stimulating plant systemic resistance, root branching, production of IAA, and enhancing soil fertility [55,56,57].…”

“…Furthermore, supplying superior grapevines with Azospirillum brasilense proved to be very effective in stimulating carbohydrates percentage [68], while application of bio-fertilizers for fiveyear-old seedless grapevine increased carbohydrate content than control [54]. It is also worth mentioning that interaction between PGPR and the plant depend on plants genotype, soil types, and harvest targets [79].…”