Abstract

CRUZ-LARA, DEXI ANDREA et al. Evaluation of the effect of biostimulant substances on the growth and physiological response of Dominico-Hartón plantain (Musa AAB). rev.colomb.cienc.hortic. [online]. 2024, vol.18, n.3, e17926.  Epub Apr 05, 2025. ISSN 2011-2173.  https://doi.org/10.17584/rcch.2024v18i3.17926.

The physiological quality of plantain plants (Musa AAB) is an important attribute to enhance multiplication efficiency and the adaptation of plant material to field conditions. The effect of applying biostimulant substances on the growth and physiological response of plantain vitroplants in the nursery was evaluated. The trial was conducted under a completely randomized block design in four municipalities of the Department of Huila, Colombia. The evaluated treatments were Trichoderma koningiosis (Tk), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Ba), humic extract + fulvic acids + free amino acids (Eh+Af+Al), chitosan (Qt), Bacillus subtilis (Bs), silicon dioxide (Ds), salicylic acid (As), and water control (T). Plant height, pseudostem diameter, total leaves, functional leaves, dry biomass of leaves, pseudostem, corm, and root, as well as photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration (Tr), and chlorophyll index (CI) were evaluated at 90 days after planting. Improvements in the physiological response of treated plants compared to the control were evident; notably, Tk significantly enhanced gas exchange, with increases in Gs, Tr, and CI. A differential effect of the biostimulants by locality in treated plants was observed, due to the significant increase in leaf dry matter with Qt, As, Eh+Af+Al, and Ds and in plant height with treatments Qt, As, and Tk. These results demonstrate the advantages of using biostimulants to promote the growth and physiological quality of plantain plants in the nursery stage.

Keywords : Musaceae; gas exchange; development; biomass; plant nurseries.

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