Efecto de los microorganismos eficientes, en el cultivo de sandía (citrullus lanatus), bajo acolchado plástico

Abstract

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) crop is of great importance nationally and internationally due to its high market demand. However, factors such as diseases and inadequate soil management can negatively impact yield and quality. In this context, agricultural microorganisms play a crucial role in ecological strategies to address nutrient management, disease and pest control, thus contributing to improve the productivity and quality of sand crops. The present research focused on evaluating the effect of the application of beneficial microorganisms, specifically Trichodermas and Beauveria, on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus x Mega Lee) cultivation under plastic mulch conditions. The objectives were focused on determining fruit quality and analyzing possible differences in yield among the treatments applied. The experiment was carried out at the "Santa Inés" farm, which belongs to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Technical University of Machala. This farm is located 5,5 kilometers from the Machala - Pasaje road, specifically in the parish of El Cambio. A completely randomized block design was used with four treatments (T0= Control; T1= Trichodermas; T2= Beauveria; T3= Trichodermas + Beauveria) and four replications where the variables evaluated were: fruit length, fruit circumference, fruit diameter, fruit weight, soluble solids, root fresh weight, root dry weight, fresh aerial matter and dry aerial matter. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Estatistics 22 software by means of parametric analysis with the ANOVA test and non-parametric analysis with the Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance of 0,05. Exploratory graphs such as box and skewness diagrams and bar graphs were used to visually appreciate the behavior of each variable. The results obtained with the parametric tests revealed that the combination of Trichoderma spp. and Beauveria bassiana (T3) in the soil contributed significantly to the production of watermelon fruits, showing an increase in the length of the fruit with an average of 28,85 cm and in the dry weight of the root with an average of 8,60 g plant-1, It was also found that the treatment with application of Trichoderma spp (T1) increased the fresh weight of the root with an average of 14,15 g plant-1 and with the application of Beauveria bassiana (T2) fresh aerial matter was obtained with an average of 565,25 g plant-1 and 76,325 g plant-1 in dry aerial matter. The non-parametric analysis revealed that the T3 treatment was better in comparison with the other treatments applied; a value of 55,25 cm was obtained in fruit circumference, a value of 17,59 cm in fruit diameter and a value of 3,05 kg in fruit weight. The synergy between these microorganisms showed complementary effects that favored plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, improving fruit quality in terms of symmetry, uniformity, weight and soluble solids. In addition, a significant increase in watermelon production was observed with the combined application of Trichoderma spp. and Beauveria bassiana (T3) obtaining an equivalent of 22,04 ton ha-1, exceeding the maximum indicated in the technical data sheet of the watermelon hybrid Mega Lee.