IMPACT OF NPsZnO AND RHIZOSPHERIC MICROORGANISMS ON TOMATO GROWTH AND BIOMASS

Background. Sustainable agriculture promotes the use of mineral and biological origin inputs that act as plant growth stimulants, such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPsZnO) and rhizospheric microorganisms, which have positively intervened in the physiological response of plants, due to their unique properties. Objective. To evaluate the effects of NPsZnO applied via foliar and drench, and of rhizospheric microorganisms on the vegetative growth and biomass of tomato plants. Methodology. The doses of nanoparticles were applied at: 0, 10 and 30 mg·L-1 and in microorganisms 0 and 10 spores·mL-1. The variables evaluated were: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, root length and volume, and total biomass. Results. It was observed that plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves were higher with the interaction of 10 mg·L-1 of NPsZnO and the microbial consortium. The root length decreased 25.88% with the foliar application of 30 mg·L-1 NPsZnO. Root volume decreased 18.49% with the drench application of 30 mg·L-1 NPsZnO and decreased 29.55% with the foliar application of 10 mg·L-1 NPsZnO. The total biomass increased 15.65% and 28.81%, respectively with the foliar application of 30 mgL-1 of nanoparticles and when 30 mg·L-1 of NPsZnO was applied in interaction with the microbial consortium. Implications. Although root length and volume had a negative effect with the application of NPsZnO, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and total biomass structural components for fruit production in tomato plants were promoted by the application of NPsZnO in interaction with rhizospheric microorganisms by generating synergism. Conclusion. The dose of the nanoparticles, the application method and the microorganisms in the substrate showed positive synergism in the growth and biomass of tomato plants.