Biofertilizer based on liquid fermented with Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae in the growth and biocontrol of Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae of seed rose plants

Research goal: Based on the information obtained from the literature on Inula viscosa, in particular on the insecticidal and antifungal capacities of this plant, the aim of this work was to carry out further experiments on a macerate based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae in order to evaluate the bio stimulant and biocontrol capacities on rose plants obtained from seed.

Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in January 2021, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (Pt). The experiment was divided into two parts. A seed germination test and a plant growth test, both conducted during the same experiment. The four experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without biofertilizer, irrigated with water and previously fertilized substrate; ii) group with Inula biofertilizer, microorganisms and algae (INORT); iii) group with algae (Ascophyllum nodosum extract); iv) group with beneficial bacteria.

Results and Discussion: The test showed a significant increase in the agronomic parameters analysed in plants treated with the INORT biofertilizer on seed roses. The test also showed greater control of the pathogen Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae in seedlings sprayed with the biofertilizer. In fact, all plants treated with INORT showed a significant increase in the height and number of leaves per plant, in the vegetative and root weight of the plants, in the number and duration of flowers, a reduction in the attack of the pathogen Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae, an increase in seed germination and a reduction in the average germination time.

Conclusions: The experiment at CREA-OF in Pescia has therefore demonstrated how the application of a macerate based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae can significantly improve the cultivation and quality of seed rose plants. As in other experiments, the application of this biostimulant also determined positive effects in the control of pathogenic fungi, in particular Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae. Other investigations are currently underway to study the biostimulant and desiccant capacities of the Inula plant, depending on the harvesting methods, the physiological state of the plants, the extraction method, the type of culture medium, the type and timing of maceration. The association with various microbial consortia and other plant-derived biostimulants will also be evaluated.