Compost and Vermicompost as Substrates Enriched with <i>Trichoderma asperellum</i> for the Production of Basic Potato Seed in the Venezuelan Andes
2025
Haydee Peña | Fernando Diánez | Beatriz Ramírez | José Sulbarán | Karen Arias | Victoria Huertas | Mila Santos
The agricultural sector faces significant pressure to meet the growing global demand for food while managing the planet’s limited natural resources. Addressing this challenge requires the strategic use of abundant materials and accessible biotechnologies that farmers can effectively implement. This study evaluated the effects of various substrate mixtures, including combinations of coconut fiber with compost or vermicompost (50:50 <i>v/v</i>). It also assessed the impact of heat treatment and inoculation with the antagonist <i>Trichoderma asperellum</i> on the production of basic potato seeds grown in 70 L plastic baskets. Statistical analysis revealed that the vermicompost-based mixture outperformed others, demonstrating superior biometric variables for potato plants. The treatment with sterilized vermicompost led to a 41% increase in seed weight, underscoring the beneficial effects of vermicompost. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between the phosphorus content of the mixture and a negative relationship with the E4/E6 ratio—a parameter recognized as a reliable and easily measurable indicator of substrate quality, along with pH and electrical conductivity.
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