Effect of some natural biofertilizers substitutes of peatmoss on rhizosphere microflora and growth promotion of cantaloupe seedlings [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Rice straw compost (IRC) inoculated with selected strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and its un-inoculated form (URC) substitutes of peatmoss were used as growing media for cantaloupe seedlings. Prepared tea of both compost types (IRCt and URCt) alternatives to the mineral nutrients were also applied for foliar spraying. Effect of these natural biofertilizers on rhizosphere microflora and growth of cantaloupe seedlings were investigated during two successive seasons under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that the seeds sowing in IRC were induced to earlier emergence; it was done only after 4 and 5 days from planting time during both seasons, respectively. On contrary, germination was shifted and started too late for the seeds sowing in URC and peatmoss. Moreover, percentages of the emergence were clear enhanced and reached to 95 and 96 % due to use of IRC medium during 2007 and 2008 seasons, respectively. It was contributed to the beneficial role of PGPR for plant growth-promoting and for reducing counts of Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium ultimum which caused the well known damping-off symptoms of different plants. After 4 weeks from planting time, seedlings which were sprayed with IRCt and its rhizosphere represented by IRC induced more formations of bacterial biomass reached 18.1 x 107 cfu g" in comparison with 8,2 x 107 cfu g" for control.

Summary in arabic.

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