Trichoderma asperellum and mineral fertilization improve chlorophyll content and growth of Prunus persica L. Batsch rootstocks

Abstract

Aims

Trichoderma asperellum is notable for promoting growth and enhancing the health of rootstocks, presenting a promising strategy for optimizing seedling development and orchard productivity. Identifying such strategies is essential for producing high-quality seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of T. asperellum application, in combination with different types and doses of fertilizer, on the chlorophyll content and growth of the Prunus persica rootstock selection “NR0170302”.

Methods

A completely randomized bifactorial design was used with fertilizer sources [Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) and Nutrient Solution (NS)] either with or without T. asperellum (CRF, CRF + T. asperellum, NS and NS + T. asperellum) and at varying fertilizer doses (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g dm⁻³). Growth parameters assessed included plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll a, b and a + b content.

Results

Significant increases in leaf number and leaf area were observed at doses of 4 to 8 g dm⁻³, with the combination of T. asperellum and NS proving most effective. Chlorophyll a, b, and a + b contents were enhanced by fertilizer doses, particularly with NS and CRF combined with T. asperellum at doses 2 to 8 g dm⁻³.

Conclusions

T. asperellum inoculation allowed a reduction in the CRF dose from 6.67 to 5.33 g dm⁻³ without compromising growth in peach rootstocks until grafting. Nutrient supply through NS (5 to 6 g dm⁻³), with or without T. asperellum, proved more effective than CRF in enhancing the production of rootstocks, contributing to improved morphological quality and standardization in pre-grafting.