Slow-release fertilization and Trichoderma harzianum-based biostimulant for the nursery production of young olive trees (Olea Europaea L.)

View/ Open
Date
2021Author
Di Vaio, C.
Testa, A.
Cirillo, A.
Conti, S.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Valorization of local olive cultivars is a key factor for the medium-term development
strategy of the Italian olive agroindustry. This involves enhancements in both, cultural practices
and nursery techniques. The aim of this research was the evaluation in nursery, on vegetative
growth and root development of young olive plants, of two different treatments: substrate
enrichment with Osmocote®, a slow-release fertilizer, and Trianum-P a Trichoderma harzianum
based biostimulant applied as foliar spray. The trial was carried out on Rotondella and Salella,
two autochthonous olive cultivars from the Campania region (southern Italy). Central axis height,
number and length of lateral shoots, leaf number and trunk base diameter were monitored during
the experiment. Eight months later, all plants were uprooted, and further parameters were
measured: total leaf area, trunk cross sectional area (TCSA), fresh and dry weight of the leaves,
shoots, trunk, roots, and total dry matter. The canopy/root ratio (C/R) was also determined.
Overall, the Osmocote® treatment caused a significant increase in the vegetative growth
parameters for both cultivars, with a more evident effect on the development of the canopy
organs. The observation reported in the present work can represent a convenient piece of
information particularly in relation to stress resilience in nursery production.