TITLE:
Integration of Commercial Microbiological Products into Soil Fertility Practices as a Potential Option for Acclimatization and Growth of TC Banana in Kenya
AUTHORS:
Agnes Mumo Kavoo-Mwangi, Esther M. Kahangi, Elijah Ateka, Justus Onguso, Joyce M. Jefwa
KEYWORDS:
Microbiological Products, Soil Fertility Practices, Integration, Tissue Culture Banana, Growth and Performance
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Soil Science,
Vol.4 No.8,
August
18,
2014
ABSTRACT: Tissue culture (TC)
banana plantlets at the in vitro stage are delicate and devoid of microbes and nutrients that are essential for
establishment and subsequent growth. Some microbes are known for function best
under certain soil threshold levels of macro and micronutrients and have been
associated with growth and performance of TC banana. A green house and field
study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combining two commercial
biological products [Rhizatech and ECO-T (mycorrhiza and Trichoderma based products, respectively)] with various sources of
nitrogen and phosphorous including Mavuno, Minjingu phosphate rock, Calcium
Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), manure and diammonium phosphate (DAP) on growth and
performance of TC banana in Vertisol and Rhodic Ferralsol soil conditions.
Tissue culture plants were initially inoculated with Rhizatech and ECO-T at the
acclimatization stage and subsequently at the beginning of the potting stage
and field establishment. Addition of nutrient sources was also done at the same
stages of plant growth by mixing with the soil substrates prior to planting.
The performance of plants was significantly (at p ≤ 0.05) affected by the
combinations of nutrient sources depending on the soil type and stage of plant
development. The growth of plants in the Vertisol increased with Trichoderma combined with either organic
manure, DAP or combined with a macro and micro nutrient source (Mavuno) as
compared to the sole application of Trichoderma.
Performance of plants treated with combination of mycorrhiza and either Mavuno
and minjigu rock phosphate was consistently higher in the Rhodic Ferralsol than
either mycorrhiza alone or fertilizer alone. This indicates that TC plants
could highly benefit from combined application of microbiological products and
inorganic and organic fertilizers. However, a prior knowledge of the product’s
microbial formulation and prevailing soil conditions is essential for
optimizing the potential benefits of integrating microbe-based product with
inorganic and organic fertilizers.