Effect of plant-beneficial microbes and fertilizers on the vigor of potato seedlings (Solanum tuberosum. L) obtained from True Potato Seeds.

Abstract

Use of True Potato Seeds is hampered by the non-uniform germination of seeds and the low vigor of the resulting seedlings. Integrated use of plant-beneficial microbes and fertilizers is an effective way to solve the problem. An experiment in a split-plot was carried out in a Greenhouse nursery to assess the effects of fertilization (NPK 19:19:19, vegimax), Trichoderma asperellum and Bacillus subtills and a combination of Trichoderma asperellum + Bacillus subtills on germination of True Potato Seeds (Oliver F1) and vigor of the resulting seedlings. The seeds were sown in a growth media (peat moss, charcoal dust, and organic manure in a ratio of 2: 2:1 with pH = 7.2 and EC = 1.28). Plant height, internode number, leaf number, leaf size, and stem diameter of seedlings were analyzed at week 9. The results were compared with the control (No microbe + no fertilizer). In this study, Bacillus subtilis bs01 and Trichoderma asperellumTrc900 were successfully used to promote germination of the seeds. The growth and development (vigor) of the seedlings were also greatly improved. Plant height, internode number, leaf size, and stem diameter were significantly improved by microbe-fertilizer interaction. In conclusion, Trichoderma asperellum + Bacillus subtilis and NPK 19:19:19, Bacillus subtilis, and NPK 19- 19-19 improved seedling vigor and can be used by plant nurseries to improve vigor in potato seedling