ABSTRACT Sustainable corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) production in tropical soils is challenged by high phosphate fertilizer dependence and low phosphorus (P) use efficiency. This study assessed the agronomic efficiency of BTP 010-19 (B. subtilis + B. amyloliquefaciens + B. pumilus) in compensating for a 25% reduction in recommended phosphate fertilization under diverse field conditions. Multi-location field trials were conducted across four Brazilian edaphoclimatic regions using a randomized complete block design. Treatments included inoculation factors (non-inoculated control, BTP 010-19 via seed treatment and in-furrow, and a positive control with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense) and P doses (75% and 100% of recommended). The results demonstrated that BTP 010-19 application, particularly in-furrow, significantly enhanced grain yield in both crops. In corn, BTP 010-19-FURROW achieved the highest mean yield (8,264.25 kg ha-¹), representing a 7.1% increase over the non-inoculated control. Crucially, at 75% of the recommended P rate, this inoculation strategy boosted corn yield by 9.2% and soybean yield by 13.9%. These impressive gains were associated with improved root architecture, evidenced by a 6.6% increase in corn root length and a 5.0% increase in soybean root length, alongside significant shoot (8.4%) and root (19.4%) biomass gains in corn. The stability of 1000-grain weight and foliar nutrient concentrations indicated that growth promotion was primarily driven by enhanced nutrient use efficiency rather than increased uptake. These findings validate the Bacillus consortium’s practical potential to effectively offset substantial phosphate reductions, fostering the sustainable intensification of corn and soybean production in tropical soils.
Anna Flávia Neri de Almeida, E. Meyer, Fernando Maranho Watanabe et al.· Ciência e Agrotecnologia· 0 citations
ABSTRACT The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) is a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity while improving soil functionality. This study evaluated the efficacy of fungal-bacterial consortium of Trichoderma asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis, for promoting the growth of soybean and maize cultivated under distinct edaphoclimatic conditions across Brazil. Field trials were conducted in five locations within Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Treatments consisted of a fungal-bacterial consortium (200 g ha-¹, in-furrow at planting) combined with 50% or 100% of the recommended nitrogen rate. Shoot dry biomass, foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, grain yield, and soil microbial activity determined by fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis were assessed. The fungal-bacterial consortium significantly improved all variables in both crops. In soybean, shoot biomass increased by 10.7-13.4% and grain yield by 9.2-9.9%, while foliar N and P rose by 10.2-12.4%, and soil enzymatic activity increased up to 11.0%. In maize, biomass increased by 10.4-11.8% and grain yield by 13.1-13.9%, with foliar N and P increasing by 9.5-14.1% and soil enzymatic activity by up to 12.5%. Notably, positive responses were maintained under 50% nitrogen fertilization. These findings demonstrate that fungal-bacterial consortium enhances nutrient acquisition and soil microbial activity, improving crop performance under variable environmental conditions and reduced N input, supporting its potential as a biological tool for sustainable nutrient management in soybean and maize systems.
A.C.C. Bortolassi, Anna Flávia Neri de Almeida, E. Meyer et al.· Ciência e Agrotecnologia· 0 citations
Coinoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms has proven to be an efficient strategy for enhancing the agronomic performance of onion (Allium cepa L.). This study evaluated the effect of inoculating Pantoea phytobeneficialis PF55 and Trichoderma harzianum ESALQ 1306, applied individually and in combination, on agronomic, biochemical, and microbiological variables of the Valessul cultivar. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments (non-inoculated, PF55, ESALQ 1306, and PF55 + ESALQ 1306) and 12 replications in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. Inoculation was performed 14 days after seedling transplant. Inoculation with PF55 resulted in a measurable increase in productivity. The results indicate that PF55 application increased productivity, biomass, and nutrient accumulation, while coinoculation with T. harzianum ESALQ 1306 promoted specific effects, such as higher carotenoid contents and soil microbial activity. Isolated inoculation with T. harzianum ESALQ 1306 increased chlorophyll b and total contents, as well as soluble solids levels. These results confirm that the bacterium acts as the primary growth-promoting agent, while the fungus plays a modulating role, influencing physiological and edaphic processes in a more restricted manner.
J. Machado, E. Meyer, Lázaro Nanque et al.· Archives of Microbiology· 0 citations
