Yield and Nutrient Content of Bell Pepper Pods from Plants Developed from Seedlings Inoculated, or Not, with Microorganisms

Abstract

<jats:p>The effectiveness of microorganisms applied in production of vegetable transplants has had mixed results. Bell pepper (<jats:italic>Capsicum annuum</jats:italic> L.) transplants were grown in a greenhouse using organic methods and the organic-certified potting mix was inoculated, or not, with beneficial bacteria or arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, or both. Other transplants were grown in the same greenhouse with a conventional potting mix, which was not inoculated. Transplants were established in the field at various planting dates in a Bernow or Stigler soil and grown using conventional or organic methods. Pod yield and nutrient contents were determined. Yields of organically grown plants were similar to those of conventionally grown plants when both were grown on the Bernow soil. When grown on both soil types, yield was higher for the Bernow than for the Stigler soil. Treatment had little effect on pod mineral content. Chlorophylls, total carotenoid, and vitamin C contents of pods from plants grown on the Stigler soil were generally lower than those from plants grown on the Bernow soil. Average pod fresh weight for plants developed from seedlings inoculated with beneficial bacteria or AM fungi was greater than that from plants developed from conventionally grown seedlings. Inoculation did not improve fresh pod weights over that from plants developed from organically grown, but not inoculated, seedlings. Amending potting mix with the microorganisms tested did not provide extraordinary benefit or detriment for use in production of bell pepper.</jats:p>

The Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria on Transplants Growth and Lettuce Yield in Organic Production

“…In field, introduced bacteria might face strong competition with indigenous microorganisms, especially in organically cultivated soil, where microbial biodiversity is higher and nutrient availability is lower than that in conventionally fertilized soils (Srivastva et al 2007;Moeskops et al 2010). Similar results were obtained by Russo and Perkins-Veazie (2010) while studying the effectiveness of bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi applied in the production of bell pepper transplants, which were then cultivated in an organic system. The yield obtained from control and treated pepper was comparable, despite significant transplants stimulation by used microorganisms.…”

The growth of tomato seedlings inoculated with co-cultivated Piriformospora indica and Bacillus pumilus

“…Dipping seedling in a suspension of the formulated product during transplantation is cumbersome and labour intensive. If seedlings are already treated with the biological agents while in plug trays, the further multiplication of the agents may be expected during crop growth without additional application (Yan et al 2003;Russo 2006a, b;Russo and Perkins-Veazie 2010). The endophytic fungus P. indica is usually mass multiplied in potato dextrose broth for plant growth promotion experiments and inoculum preparations (Fakhro et al 2010;Anith et al 2011;Sarma et al 2011;Kumar et al 2012).…”

“…Several of these growth promoters possess additional capabilities such as the biological suppression of plant diseases and insect pests (Lugtenberg and Kamilova 2009). Biological amendment with PGPR inoculants for the production of vegetable seedling have been reported by several workers (Gagne et al 1993;Nemec et al 1996;Kokalis-Burelle et al 2002;Russo 2006a, b;Russo and Perkins-Veazie 2010). The survival and root colonization pattern in tomato of several rhizobacteria in soil-less growth medium was studied by Yan et al (2003), while the value of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum at the nursery stage has been studied by Chowdappa et al (2013).…”

Bio-Efficacy of Microbial Infused Rice Straw Compost on Plant Growth Promotion and Induction of Disease Resistance in Chili

“…The biological activities: ammonification, nitrification, and nitrogen fixation are increased due to the addition of compost to soil (Altieri and Esposito 2008). Compost stimulates the symbiotic mycorrhizal association and plays significant roles in transferring certain nutrients from soil to plants (Makus 2005;Russo and Perkins-Veazie 2010). Microorganisms have the ability to convert nutritionally important elements from unavailable to available forms through biological processes and also inhibit phytopathogens in soil by increasing the beneficial microorganisms, metabolites, hormones, and nutrients (Jilani et al 2007;Vessey, 2003).…”