Domenico Prisa | CNRS / CREA (original) (raw)

Papers by Domenico Prisa

Multidisciplinary reviews, 2024

Considerable progress has been made in recent decades in characterizing plant constituents and ex... more Considerable progress has been made in recent decades in characterizing plant constituents and explaining the role of natural molecules in disease prevention. In this context, there are strong recommendations to incorporate fruit and vegetables into the diet, and nutraceuticals have become a market of extraordinary commercial value. The genus Opuntia, part of the subfamily Opuntioideae, and family Cactaceae, includes approximately 200-300 species, primarily growing in arid (less than 250 mm annual rainfall) and semi-arid (250-450 mm annual rainfall) regions (Akacha et al., 2022). These species are native to Mesoamerican but have also been introduced to other continents, particularly O. ficus-indica, which was gradually brought to Europe following Columbus's voyage and the subsequent conquest of Mexico by Fernando Cortés. Today, this species is commercially cultivated for the production of fruits and their derivatives, in Italy, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Israel, South Africa and California (Aliscioni et al., 2021). Traditionally, and still today, other commercial and subsistence agricultural uses are well known, ranging from fodder production to the use of young, tender vegetative organs (cladodes) as vegetables. Additionally, both fruits and cladodes have been widely used in popular medicine across several countries for various medicinal, nutraceutical, and cosmetic purposes (Aruwa et al., 2018). To a large extent, their use remains primarily limited to their countries of origin or those where they were later introduced. In light of climate change and due to its eco logical efficiency in terms of carbon and water footprint, Opuntia spp. is becoming increasingly important as a sustainable food production system in areas with scarce ecological resources. The fruits are consumed in the production areas and are also exported to European and North American markets. Clinical interest in the efficacy and safety of the phytochemicals present in the fruits of the Opuntia genus has increased in recent years. This growing interest is due to the recognized value of the fruit's colouring complex, betalaine, and an expanding body of scientific and experimental evidence, in addition to long-established empirical and traditional knowledge (Attanzio et al., 2018). For example, this includes the effects of fruit consumption in preventing diseases such as diabetes, treating gastrointestinal disorders, addressing conditions associated with a low dietary intake, and reducing blood glucose levels. Red-fleshed fruits have been shown to contain taurine (7.7-11.2 mg/100 g fresh fruit) in both Sicilian and American or South African cultivars. The presence of total phenolic and polyphenolic compounds (free and conjugated) was also observed in concentrations of 80-90 mg/100 g dry weight, including aromadendrina, taxifolin or dihydroquercetin, isoramnetin, vitexina, kaempferol, quercetin, betalines, betacyanins, etc (Benattia et al., 2019). This review provides a detailed description of the main active components of various species within the genus Opuntia sp. pl. studied worldwide. Since antiquity, Opuntia sp. pl. plants have been used to treat diseases and heal wounds and have traditionally served as natural medicines in various countries around the world for the treatment of various diseases. Several products that Abstract Numerious scientific studies have demonstrated that cacti fruits and cladodes can serve as an efficient source of nutrients and phytochemicals of nutritional and functional significance, including sugars, mucilage, fibers, vitamins, and pigments. Due to their health-promoting properties, cactus products exhibit promising functional characteristics. In this article, we provide an overview of the major active components found in various cactus species worldwide. Historically, cacti have been used to treat diseases and wounds since ancient times, and their use as therapeutic agents in folk medicine especially cladodes and cactus pear fruits remains common. Cacti are traditionally employed as natural remedies in several countries. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in characterizing plant constituents and understanding the role of natural molecules in disease prevention. In addition to being a rich source of bioactive substances, cacti are excellent candidates for nutraceutical and functional food preparations. The beneficial properties of cactus products are enhanced by the presence of certain chemical constituents found in their fruits, cladodes, seeds, and flowers. Many of these constituents have the potential to act as health-promoting substances. Recent scientific discoveries have shed new light on the plant compounds responsible for the medicinal properties of cacti.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobac... more Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobacter sp. and its effects on the growth, flower quality and longevity of cactus plants. To this end, the study of biometric parameters, i.e. plants and flowers (height, weight, number and duration), as well as root growth (weight), and the presence of disease were quantified as measures of plant productivity and compared with those obtained from non-inoculated plants. The use of alginate microspheres as a means of bacterial inoculation was also considered.
Materials and Methods: Seedlings of Acanthocalycium (2 years old) Ferrarii, A. Glaucum and A. Violaceum were immediately planted in pots after purchase, in substrate containing (sand 20%, pumice 20% and peat 60%; pH 7; electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m; total porosity 80% (v/v). A randomised complete block design was applied for the experiments: the pots were randomly divided into two series, one series was inoculated with the bacteria and the other non-inoculated was used as a control. Each month, plant growth was assessed according to (1) plant height, (2) vegetative and root weight, (3) number of flowers per plant (4) flower duration. In addition, the occurrence of possible diseases, in particular Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp., was assessed. Total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity were also analysed.
Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Arthrobacter sp. can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Acanthocalycium sp. cacti. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the number and floral longevity as well as in the phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content of the fruits of the inoculated plants compared to the untreated control. The experiment also showed that mortality due to the pathogens Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. was significantly reduced in the treated plant. In agreement with these authors, we found that PGPB treatments increased agronomic parameters and improved Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. In general, the application of biostimulants can increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants by increasing resistance to phytopathologies. Inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. led to a significant reduction in the number of dead plants with respect to the diseases analysed. As a result of the stimulating action demonstrated in Acanthocalycium, bioproducts suitable for nutraceutical purposes may be developed in the future. Therefore, new microbe-assisted technologies can help plants to resist stress conditions, improving their tolerance and productivity.
Conclusions: Due to its ‘multifunctionality’, the genus Acanthocalycium is considered as one of the species of the future, for ornamental use and medicinal aspects, and new results may help reveal its potential in the context of the bio-economy and circular economy. As natural resources and cultural practices are crucial in defining the quality of flowers when destined for food/nutraceutical applications, the inoculation of Acanthocalycium with Arthrobacter sp. can be envisaged to provide better plant growth under conditions of environmental stress, or as a soil fertiliser, but also to improve the synthesis of natural products used for therapeutic applications.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

Research objective: This article aims to highlight how chabazite zeolitite can lead to better gro... more Research objective: This article aims to highlight how chabazite zeolitite can lead to better growth and protection of tomato plants, in particular the benefits it can bring to crops both when buried in the soil, in terms of plant growth and fruit production, and as a reduction in the incidence of fungal diseases and insect attack when used as a spray in water. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in March 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on tomato cv 'Ciliegino' plants. The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 14, 20 plants for 3 replications, for a total of 60 seedlings per experimental thesis. The first trial on Solanum lycopersicum involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) peat 70% + pumice 30%; ii) peat 70% + pumice 20% + zeolitite chabazite 10%; iii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + zeolitite chabazite 20%. The second trial on Solanum lycopersicum included spray treatments with micronised zeolitite on the leaves to evaluate the control of diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta. The trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) control with treatment with water sprayed on the leaves every 10 days; ii) control with treatment with Flipper 1 L/hl + Ranman Top 0.5L/hl, every 7 days; iii) treatment with zeolitite chabazite 5 kg/hl, every 7 days. On 19 September 2024, plant height (measured at 70 days after transplanting), plant nodes (measured at 70 days after transplanting), leaf area index, total dry biomass, fresh fruit weight and number of total fruits were determined. In addition, the number of plants affected by Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta was evaluated.

Life, 2024

Marine macroalgae, which typically colonize coastal areas, are simple plant organisms. They live ... more Marine macroalgae, which typically colonize coastal areas, are simple plant organisms. They live on rocks in coastal regions and are classified into red, brown, and green macroalgae. These algae are an important natural resource in agriculture due to their ability to enhance the structural, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Marine macroalgae can be used to produce various biocidal molecules that are effective in controlling plant pathogens. Much of the literature on marine macroalgae and their derivatives focuses primarily on the pharmaceutical field, while their use in agriculture is still considered secondary. However, various studies and experiments have demonstrated their potential to play a significant role in crop protection and enhancement. This review aims to highlight the various applications of macroalgae in plant production. It also emphasizes the biotechnological importance of marine macroalgae derivatives as biofertilizers, molecules for controlling insects and microorganisms, and as plant growth conditioners. Compounds from macroalgae, such as fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and carbohydrates, are being investigated for their fungicidal, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects against various plant pathogens. Beyond enhancing crop production, macroalgae can also be considered multifunctional bioinoculants suitable for use in organic farming.

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of a produ... more Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative extraction process from seawater with the addition of silver, copper and zinc on aubergine and cucumber plants. In addition, it was assessed whether the product improves the nutritional quality of the fruit. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in May 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), on aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Plants were placed in pots of ø 14 cm, 30 plants per thesis, divided into three replications of 10 plants each. The experimental groups were: i) control group; ii) conmmercial biofertilizer; iii) FertilTomix; iv) FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc. On 10 September 2024, plant height (aubergine), length of the central branch (cucumber), number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume, number and weight of fruits were determined. The nutritional properties of the fruits were also assessed, for aubergine (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin thiamnine, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, folate) and for cucumber (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin K, folate). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, can significantly increase the height, number of leaves, vegetative and root growth, and leaf area of aubergine and cucumber plants. The product FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc worked better than as such, stimulating plant growth more. The trial also showed an increase in the number and weight of fruits in both aubergine and cucumber, in the theses treated with FertilTomix compared to the control and the commercial control with algae. The leaves also appeared larger and more intensely green in the theses treated with minerals extracted from the sea. The analysis of the mineral and vitamin content of the fruits showed a significant increase in minerals and vitamins in the fruits treated with FertilTomix for most of the analysed parameters, to a greater extent with FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc Conclusions: Various extracts obtained from seawater using an innovative mineral process were found to significantly increase plant growth. The test also showed an increase in the mineral and vitamin content of the fruit, probably influenced by the increased presence of bacteria in the soil, in the theses treated with marine extracts, as demonstrated in other tests with the same product. As well as for those wishing to reduce the use of industrial fertilisers, the results obtained are particularly interesting for those growing in arid environments or those without drinking water

Horticulturae, 2024

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, also known as Podophyllum emodi Wall, holds significant ecological, ... more Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, also known as Podophyllum emodi Wall, holds significant ecological, ornamental, and medicinal values. However, it has become endangered due to overexploitation, prolonged seed dormancy, slow natural regeneration, and climate change. This study developed an efficient in vitro protocol for callogenesis and micropropagation of P. hexandrum to conserve germplasm in in vitro conditions. Callus formation from various plant parts, including the leaf, stem, rhizome, radicle, and cotyledon, was induced using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators. The combination of benzyladenine at 1 mg L−1 and 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid at 3 mg L−1 was optimal for biomass production, yielding 215.88 ± 0.31 mg, with growth per gram at 8.32 ± 0.32 and a growth rate of 13.62 ± 0.25 mg/day on MS medium. For shoot proliferation, benzyladenine (3.5 mg L−1) and naphthalene acetic acid (0.5 mg L−1) combined with activated charcoal showed the highest shoot induction percentage per explant. For shoot regeneration from calluses, 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5 mg L−1) and thidiazuron (2 mg L−1) were most effective, producing superior shoot length, number of regenerations, and regeneration percentage. Root induction was successful with α-naphthalene acetic acid supplementation (0.5 to 1.5 mg L−1) in MS medium, resulting in the highest number per explant (4.08 ± 0.08), length (5.45 ± 0.15 cm), and rooting rate (87.00 ± 1.66%) of roots in plantlets. Subculturing for callus culture was performed every 28 days for up to four subcultures to prevent nutrient depletion and toxic metabolite accumulation, ensuring tissue health and viability. Continuous subculturing of callus on MS medium maintained healthy P. hexandrum germplasm in vitro. Overall, this micropropagation protocol provides a rapid system for conserving P. hexandrum germplasm.

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of new mic... more Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of new microbial consortia
obtained from the root systems of cacti and succulents in the rooting of Celtis australis and in the protection of certain
fungal pathogens of this plant. The possible interaction between plants and substrate microorganisms in plant mortality
was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in January 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses
in Pescia, Tuscany, Italy on 2-year-old Celtis australis plants obtained from seed. The seedlings were potted 16, 5 plants
for 3 replications for each experimental thesis, for a total of 15 plants each. After 5 months of cultivation since
transplanting, the following plant and substrate parameters were analysed in June 2024: plant height, number of leaves,
leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of microorganisms in the substrate, pH of the substrate
and number of dead plants for Ganoderma applanatum and Laetiporus sulphureus. In addition, the SPAD index was
measured on three pinched leaves from the base to the apex of the crown of each plant.
Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of microorganisms introduced into the rooting substrate
of Celtis australis plants can significantly increase vegetative and root growth, increase plant height and the number of
leaves. There was also a significant increase in leaf area, root length and chlorophyll content as demonstrated by SPAD
analysis. A very interesting aspect was also the increase in microbial biomass in the treated theses, particularly in the
thesis (SYB), an inoculum of microorganisms obtained from the roots of cacti and succulents. The treatments with
micro-organisms in particular (SYB) resulted in a significant reduction in plant mortality caused by the pathogenic fungi
Ganoderma applanatum and Laetiporus sulphurous.
Conclusions: In light of possible climate change, it is also important to evaluate new microbial selections from plants
that live in extreme environments, such as cacti and succulents. Plant productivity can be maintained while reducing
environmental impact and increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses with microbial biofertilisers. In order to
improve and speed up the growth of nursery plants, especially trees to be placed in the environment, it seems very
important to develop innovative protocols to increase their rooting and vegetative growth.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the... more Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the use of innovative fertilisers with added plant extracts in agriculture. In particular, this article will deal with two important topics: i) study of the effect of innovative fertilisers on the biomass of vegetable plants; ii) possible control on mortality due to diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew. The information reported in this research work can support the design of cultivation systems in which agricultural sustainability is fundamental due to the presence of plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic plant protection products.
Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early January 2024. The plants used in the trial were Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group control, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Aktigen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iii) group with Lifegen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iv) group with QI-gen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); v) Group with Ecklonia maxima (EK): (peat 70% + pumice 20%), irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week). On 5 May 2024, plant height, number of leaves, primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants (Botrytis and powdery mildew) were recorded.
Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of innovative fertilisers enriched with plant extracts can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control and the commercial Ecklonia maxima treatment for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Qi-gen treatment was significantly the best for increasing vegetative and root biomass. Improvements were also found in plant height, leaf number and root length. The trial also revealed the significant effect on Botrytis control of the product Aktigen and on powdery mildew of the product Lifegen, in fact they reduced the mortality of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus seedlings.
Conclusions: A number of scientific studies have shown that the application of biofertilizers can improve plant growth, productivity, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Because of their multiple properties, they have become increasingly important as advanced agricultural techniques in global agriculture. This type of product, which includes natural substances, will contribute significantly to ecologically and economically sustainable agricultural production systems in the coming years, as well as serving as the foundation for large-scale sustainable agriculture in the future.

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

Research objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chlorella extract as a... more Research objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chlorella extract as a biofertiliser on the growth of Abromeitiella spp. seedlings and to assess whether it has a repellent effect against nematodes Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in November 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (PT), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Abromeitiella scapigera, Abromeitiella brevifolia and Abromeitiella chloranta. The plants were placed in ø12 cm pots; 30 plants per thesis, divided into 3 replicates of 10 plants each. The experimental groups were: i) group without algae, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Chlorella vulgaris, previously fertilised substrate. On 2 April 2024, plant height, leaves number, vegetative weight, root weight, root lenght, number of new plantlets, chlorophyll content, leaf area, control of the nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita were measured. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Chlorella vulgaris extracts can improve the vegetative and root growth of Abromeitiella scapigera, Abromeitiella brevifolia and Abromeitiella chloranta plants grown in pots. The treatment also led to an increase in plant height, number of leaves, length of root hairs, leaf area and number of new seedlings. The trial also showed that the use of Chlorella in plant growing media can also increase the photosynthesis rate (SPAD index) and significantly reduce the presence of nematodes, in particular Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita. According to some researchers, the influence of Chlorella extract on cell metabolisms is mainly due to the physiological effect of major and minor nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and plant growth regulators on cellular metabolisms in treated plants, which increase crop yields and growth. Chlorella plants have very high photosynthesis rates, dozens of times higher than other plants. The main reason why Chlorella can grow rapidly is because it contains Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which is quite rich in nucleoproteins, nucleic acids, ribonucleic acids (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, complex protein bodies, enzymes, glycoproteins, plant hormones, etc. Its ability to promote plant growth may be due to this factor. Conclusions: Chlorella extract significantly increased Abromeitiella seedling height, leaf number and leaf area. In particular, Abromeitiella seedlings treated with chlorella extract developed better root system, chlorophyll a increased significantly and the root length and number of new seedlings also improved significantly. Based on the above results that Chlorella extracts contribute to the growth and development of Abromeitiella plants, we can conclude that with the treatment of Chlorella extracts, the application of chemical fertilisers in the production of succulents such as Abromeitiella can be reduced.

Acta Horticulturae

Recently published research findings from EU projects have provided scientific evidence of the po... more Recently published research findings from EU projects have provided scientific evidence of the potential reuse of remediated dredged sediments in agriculture. Given that bottom sediments might be polluted by organic and inorganic contaminants, remediated sediments could better be recycled as an ingredient of soilless growing media for no-food crops, such as flowers and ornamental plants. Hence, the use of peat, which has a high environmental impact, could be reduced. In the present study, phytoremediated and landfarmed sediment was reused as plant substrates for the cultivation of calla lily for cut flower production. Three different substrate mixtures were tested, combining different proportions of the remediated sediment (0, 25 and 50%) with a standard peat-based substrate. Calla rhizomes were planted in 30 L pots containing the chosen mixtures. The experiment set-up was performed under greenhouse conditions, and three different water regimes were applied. Before and at the end of the plant cycle, the substrates were characterized by a number of physical, chemical and biochemical parameters. Calla vegetative growth and productivity in terms of leaf stem and leaf blade length, number of flowers, flower length, color of flower spathe and flower senescence were monitored during the plant life cycle. Physiological parameters such as fluorescence of chlorophyll, nutrients and heavy metal concentrations in leaves were analyzed as well. Significant differences were observed among the tested growing media and water regimes for all considered growth and productive parameters. Plants grown on a mixture containing 50% remediated sediment under high water supply exhibited more significant plant development and higher cut flower production and vase life quality. These results demonstrated that the treated sediment might be used as a partial substitute for peat for the production of calla lily cut flowers.

In order to ensure food security worldwide in the face of current climatic changes, a higher qual... more In order to ensure food security worldwide in the face of current climatic changes, a higher quality and quantity of crops is necessary to sustain the growing human population. By developing a sustainable circular economy and biorefinery approaches, we can move from a petroleum-based to a bio-based economy. Plant biostimulants have long been considered an important source of plant growth stimulants in agronomy and agro-industries with both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (microalgae). There has been extensive exploration of macroalgae biostimulants. A lack of research and high production costs have constrained the commercial implementation of microalgal biostimulants, despite their positive impact on crop growth, development and yields. The current knowledge on potential biostimulatory compounds, key sources and their quantitative information from algae is summarized in the present review. Our goal is to provide a brief overview of the potential for microalgal biostimulants to improve crop production and quality. A number of key aspects are discussed, including the biostimulant effects caused by microalgae extracts, as well as the feasibility and potential for cocultures and coapplication with other biostimulants and biofertilizers. This article also discusses the current knowledge, recent developments and achievements in extraction techniques, types of applications, timings of applications. Ultimately, this review highlights the potential for microalgal biostimulants for sustainable agricultural practices, the algal biochemical components contributing to these traits, and finally bottlenecks and involved prospects in commercializing microalgal biostimulants.

Colture protette: orticoltura e floricoltura, 2012

In sustainable agriculture, plant nutrients are the most important elements. Biofertilizers intro... more In sustainable agriculture, plant nutrients are the most important elements. Biofertilizers introduce microorganisms that improve the soil nutrients and increase their accessibility to crops. In order to meet the demands of a growing population, healthy crops need to be produced using the right type of fertilizers to provide them with all the major nutrients they require. However, an increasing dependency on chemical fertilizers is destroying the environment and negatively af-fecting the health of humans. Thus, using microbes as bioinoculants as the best replacement of chemical fertilizers as eco-friendly way for plant growth and soil fertility is believed to be the best method for improving plant growth and soil fertility. In sustainable agriculture, these microbes provide significant benefits to crops. In addition to colonizing plant systems (epiphytic, endo-phytic, and rhizospheric), beneficial microbes play a key role in absorbing nutrients from surrounding ecosystems. Plant associate microbes can promote plant growth regardless of natural and extreme conditions. Plant growth promoting microbes promote plant growth through a variety of direct and indirect methods, such as nitrogen fixation, plant growth hormone production, siderophores, HCN, several hydrolytic enzymes, and potassium, zinc, and phosphorus solubilization. Research on biofertilizers has been extensive and even available, which demonstrates how these microbes can deliver nutrients to crops in sufficient quantities to enhance their yield. This review examines in detail the direct and indirect mechanisms of PGPR action and their interaction in plant growth and resistance.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The aim of this work was to study the use of two composts, obtained from olive mills (OM) and gre... more The aim of this work was to study the use of two composts, obtained from olive mills (OM) and green waste (SV), at the CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops in Pescia (PT), as components of the growing substrate on plants of Agave victoria-reginae and Agave striata minima. Substrates containing 30% inert matter in each case and increasing doses of compost (0, 30, 50, 70%) were compared; satisfaction at 100% volume, if necessary, was achieved by adding quantities of peat to the mixture. The cultivation density was 6 p m-2 for a total of 98 plants. The cultivation lasted 350 days; the plants never showed any symptoms of water stress. The results were statistically analysed. The chemical and physical properties of the growing media were analysed; the vegetative growth of the plants was determined at 350 days. The results showed that plant growth depends on the percentage of compost. The composts used in the preparation of the substrates were not phytotoxic and allowed...

World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences

The aim of this work is to evaluate and deepen knowledge on the use of Trichoderma to stimulate t... more The aim of this work is to evaluate and deepen knowledge on the use of Trichoderma to stimulate the vegetative growth and rooting of plants. In this case, a trial was carried out on cuttings of Schlumbergera, a genus of cactus that is very important from an ornamental point of view but that presents numerous difficulties in the process of rooting in substrate, where cuttings often rot due to excess humidity or die due to the attack of pathogenic fungi. The trial started in March 2021 and lasted for ten months in the CREA greenhouses in Pescia, Italy. The experimental trial showed a significant effect on the rooting of Schlumbergera cuttings and on all agronomic parameters assessed on the plants in cultivation, following treatment in the growing medium with Trichoderma spp. The cuttings treated with the fungi in fact showed an increase in root weight and length, vegetative weight, number of new shoots and flowers, floral life, and a significant reduction in mortality of the treated c...

Multidisciplinary reviews, 2024

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

Life, 2024

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

Horticulturae, 2024

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024

GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024

Acta Horticulturae

Colture protette: orticoltura e floricoltura, 2012

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences