Microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants boost tomato crop

A team of researchers in Italy have shown that use of microbial biofertilisers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, the study underscores the potential of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) in sustainable agriculture, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers.

A growing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective crop production, coupled with declining soil health has led to a growing interest in the use of PGPMs, which can form mutually beneficial interactions with plants, enhancing crop performance and tolerance against stresses such as drought. While the benefits of using PGPMs have been well-studied, their application in agricultural management remains limited.

Explaining the motivation behind the study, Emanuele Radicetti, an associate professor at the University of Ferrara and corresponding author on the research, highlighted the pressing need for innovative, sustainable farming solutions. ‘There is an urgent need to develop sustainable agroecosystems that can ensure sufficient crop yield over a long-term period,’ he said. ‘Biofertilisers are gradually emerging as a promising, nature-based alternative that reduces agroecosystem inputs by enhancing organism interactions.’

In addition to PGPMs, the team applied natural algae-derived treatments to the tomato crops, which act as biostimulants to further promote plant health. These treatments improve processes like nutrient absorption and stress tolerance, supporting overall crop performance. ‘Algae extracts are considered a rich source of plant biostimulants and provide a renewable option for improving crop quality and yield,’ explained Radicetti. ‘Even at low doses they have the capacity to support plant development, especially under stressed conditions, which are becoming more frequent with climate change.’

The study found that PGPMs significantly improved root development, shoot biomass, and overall health of tomato plant seedlings. ‘We observed well-developed root systems in tomato crops just 30 days after transplanting, demonstrating the function of PGPMs in mitigating transplanting stress,’ Radicetti explained.

The highest crop yield, 67.2 tons per hectare, was achieved with a combined application of a PGPM product called MYCOUP and a 1.0% algae-based biostimulant. ‘The results were evident,’ Radicetti noted, ‘and we were fascinated by the idea that an environmentally-friendly approach like this could produce such strong results.’

Looking ahead, the researchers believe that the use of PGPMs and algae-based biostimulants can be easily adopted. However, Radicetti stresses the need for further studies: ‘More research is needed to evaluate their full potential, especially under stressed conditions like drought, which will be a major concern in the coming years.’

The findings contribute to a growing body of work which can influence future innovations in organic and sustainable farming. ‘Organic farming requires a dynamic and creative approach to crop management,’ Radicetti said.  ‘Each study that improves the knowledge on crop growth and production are a step toward the goals of sustainability, in terms of environmental, social and economic factors.’

The team plans to continue evaluating the benefits of these treatments under drought conditions, a critical factor for the future of agriculture. They are also exploring the integration of other environmentally friendly tools, such as biochar, cover crops, and no-till farming, in combination with microbial biofertilisers and algae-based biostimulants.

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