Co-Inoculation of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. Plants with Rhizophagus intraradices and Azospirillum brasilense to Reduce Phytophthora capsici Damage

Abstract

Agricultural production systems based on the application of synthetic chemical inputs are changing to more ecological management systems. In this context, rhizosphere microorganisms are considered fundamental to improving soil fertility and providing protection to the host plant. The objective of this study was to perform co-inoculation of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. plants (chayote) with Rhizophagus intraradices and Azospirillum brasilense to reduce Phytophthora capsici damage. The chayote seeds were established in bags, and their inoculation was evaluated alone and in combination with R. intraradices and A. brasilense, in addition to inoculating the stem 14 days after planting with P. capsici. Eight treatments were distributed completely at random, with four repetitions. Morphological and physiological yield variables were recorded at 28, 56, and 84. It was found that S. edule treatment with R. intraradices and A. brasilense increased dry matter allocation in the morphological and physiological performance components. The biomass of plants inoculated with P. capsici and biofertilized with R. intraradices and A. brasilense decreased by 27%, which is relevant, since, under field conditions, plants infected with P. capsici die. Petiole biomass and leaf area decreased during the three evaluation periods with the presence of P. capsici. The other components had a differential response.