Enhancing Peach Tree Fertilization: Investigating Methylobacterium symbioticum and Azotobacter salinestris as Game-Changing Agents

Enhancing Peach Tree Fertilization: Investigating Methylobacterium symbioticum and Azotobacter salinestris as Game-Changing Agents (EN)

Tsoumanis, Dimitrios (EN)

Monokrousos, Nikolaos

Zografou, Stella

masterThesis

2025-05-20T16:41:43Z

2024-06-26

This thesis explores the application of endophytic strains Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23 and Azotobacter salinestris 9690 as innovative agents in peach tree (Prunus persica) fertilization, aimed at reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and enhancing sustainability in agriculture. Conducted in the notable peach-growing region of Imathia, Greece, this study examines the effectiveness of these microbial endophytes in improving tree vigor, photosynthetic efficiency, and fruit quality through foliar applications. During the experimental period, each endophyte was applied once at a high dose before fruit thinning and twice at half dose, with the 1st half dose application occurring before thinning and the 2nd after thinning. Through rigorous field trials on five-year-old 'Octavia' peach trees, treated plants demonstrated significant enhancements in chlorophyll content, fluorescence, shoot growth, and biomass accumulation compared to control groups. Remarkably, the application of these microbial inoculants resulted in expanded biomass as well leaf wall area, enhanced fruit size and weight without compromising the sugar content, while optimizing nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Furthermore, amino acid profiling of peach juice indicated a substantial rise in essential amino acids, signaling an enhancement of the fruit's nutritional value. The results indicated that both the dose and the timing of endophyte application are crucial for optimal outcomes. Specifically, M. symbioticum at a high dose consistently showed the best results across all evaluations. In contrast, A. salinestris at a high dose outperformed in some measurements. However, when applied in two split doses, M. symbioticum did not exhibit statistically significant differences compared to its high-dose application, unlike A. salinestris, which showed lower performance. This research not only supports the potential of SB23 and 9690 to foster more sustainable peach cultivation practices but also suggests a paradigm shift towards the use of microbial inoculants in perennial crop systems. The findings advocate for further exploration into the mechanisms of action of these endophytes and their broader application across different agricultural contexts to enhance productivity and sustainability. (EL)

Αγγλική γλώσσα

School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics

School of Economics, Business Administration & Legal Studies, MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Business

Διεθνές Πανεπιστήμιο της Ελλάδος

Ιδρυματικό Αποθετήριο Διεθνούς Πανεπιστημίου Ελλάδος (ΔΙΠΑΕ)

University Center of International Programmes of Studies (UCIPS)

Master Theses