Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Oana-Alina BOIU-SICUIA, Daniel-Nicolae COJANU, Gheorghe COTEȚ, Alina-Nicoleta PARASCHIV
The transition from conventional to sustainable cultivation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) triggers the need to identify efficient non-chemical inputs for plant protection and nutrition, as well as appropriate application methods. This study aimed to identify some beneficial microorganisms, bacteria and fungi, efficient in preventing sweet potatoes from pests and diseases. In vitro studies revealed the antifungal effects of a Romanian native Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain in reducing the growth of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium spp., some common phytopathogens for sweet potato. Similar results were seen in Beauveria bassiana, which additionally express insecticidal potential. The shoot-immersion inoculation technique applied with these microorganisms on sweet potato, revealed comparative yields to the conventional production system, as well as pest and diseases management, only when the two beneficial microorganisms were inoculated as mixed treatment.
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