INORT: Biofertilizer based on Inula viscosa L. (Dittrichia viscosa L.), algae and micro-organisms for growth, Fusarium oxysporum defence and water stress resistance of Plumeria frangipani

Abstract

Research objective: In this study, the possibility of using INORT, a biostimulant based on Inula viscosa L. (Dittrichia viscosa L.), algae and microorganisms to improve growth, defence against Fusarium oxysporum and resistance to water stress, on Plumeria frangipani plants grown in open field was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in January 2023, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (Pt), on Plumeria frangipani plants cvs “California sunset and “Super round”. The plants were grown in open field. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: group without biostimulant (CTRL); group with microrganisms; group with algae; group with Inula viscosa; group with (INORT) (mix Microorganisms + Inula viscosa + Algae).The product INORT was supplied by the Francesco Attanasio farm. On 15 September 2023, plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, total leaf area per plant (mm2), primary root length (mm), aerial and root system biomass were recorded. In addition, plant mortality as a result of Fusarium oxysporum attacks and water stress was assessed in the experiment. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of the biostimulant based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae (INORT) can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Plumeria frangipani plants grown in the open field. Improvements were also found in plant height, number of leaves, number of floral branches, leaf area, vegetative and root biomass and root length at different irrigation frequencies of 3 and 6 days. A very interesting aspect was also the ability of the biostimulant based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae to significantly reduce the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum attacks on leaves. Conclusions: Given the importance of Inula viscosa from a medicinal, pollination and biodiversity point of view, new agricultural experiments are very important as they could allow the development of new biofertiliser products that can be used in organic and sustainable farming systems