Browsing by Author "Palencia, Pedro"
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- Effect of Bacillus velezensis and Glomus intraradices on fruit quality and growth parameters in strawberry soilless growing systemPublication . Palencia, Pedro; Martinez, Fatima; Pestana, Maribela; Oliveira, Jose A.; Correia, Pedro J.This study evaluates the effect on the 'Splendor' and 'Primoris' strawberry cultivars of different dates of inoculation with Glomus intraradices, an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. Additionally, plants were grown in a soilless growing system with or without Bacillus velezensis at the beginning of the experiment. A completely randomized block design (2 biofertilizer treatments x 2 cultivars x 3 inoculation dates) with 2 replications was used. Each replicate consisted of one bag with 10 plants. Fruit weight, fruit quality, growth parameters, and SPAD values in young leaves were monitored from October 2011 to June 2012 in a greenhouse. At the end of the crop cycle, the microbial population of Bacillus spp. and the Glomus intraradices population were determined from the rhizosphere of the plant. Bacillus velezensis and Glomus intraradices were established in the strawberry soilless growing system. The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizae on strawberry fruit quality was more important than that on growth parameters. Biofertilizer with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi had an inhibitory effect on fruit quality, as indicated by low TSS, pH, and TA values. The combined effect of the biofertilizer and inoculation dates of Glomus intraradices on growth parameters was more significant in the 'Primoris' cultivar than in 'Splendor'. In both cultivars, an increase in SPAD values was observed from week 12 to week 22 after planting. Depending on the cultivar selected, the date of inoculation may significantly affect plant response to AM fungal colonization in a soilless growing system.
- Evaluation of Chlorella vulgaris application as a biostimulant for lettuce growth in soilless culturePublication . Vieira, João; Saque, Moisés; Gama, Florinda; Viana, Catarina; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa Isabel; Rodrigues, Maria Helena; Varela, João; Pereira, Hugo; Palencia, Pedro; Reis, Mário; Pestana, Maribela; Correia, Pedro JoséThis study evaluated the effect of Chlorella vulgaris application on the growth of soilless-grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. 'Oreja de Mulo') cultivated outdoors. Microalgae suspensions were applied weekly at concentrations of 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 g L(-)1. Plants grown without the application of microalgae were used as the control. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was registered at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and biomass parameters were assessed at harvest. Compared with control, the highest concentration of C. vulgaris (CV5) exhibited the maximum increase in leaf area (67.4%), root fresh weight (138.7%), root volume (92.1%) and root dry weight (150.0%). This concentration further promoted higher accumulation of nitrogen (44.9%), phosphorus (96.4%), potassium (59.5%), and iron (Fe) (43.8%) in aerial parts of the lettuce plants These findings demonstrate the potential of C. vulgaris suspensions as effective biostimulants for improving growth, nutrient uptake, and biomass accumulation in hydroponic lettuce production, supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.
- Fruit quality response of strawberry cv 'antilla' after application of calciumPublication . Palencia, Pedro; Pestana, Maribela; Saavedra, Teresa; Gama, Florinda; Correia, Pedro JoséAs an important economically and nutritionally valuable fruit, strawberry has been planted everywhere worldwide, which, due to the shortage of arable land, has created an obstacle to successional farming. The study investigates the effect of calcium application in strawberry fruit quality, including fruit firmness and ºBrix. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. 'Antilla') grown in a soilless system in a greenhouse were exposed to different calcium (Ca) concentrations and application interval during the production cycle of strawberry plants added as Ca(NO3)2. The control only has the Ca contained in the irrigation water. The S treatment added Ca to the substrate, FS and FQ treatments added Ca by foliar spray weekly or biweekly, respectively. Fruit fresh weight, firmness, pH, titratable acidity and ºBrix value were studied. Compared to other treatments, softer fruits were obtained in the control group. The reduction of fruit firmness in the control treatment coincides with a lower average pH, which can cause fruit softening and damage during storage. In addition, pH plays an important role in strawberry flavour. Foliar application of Ca showed strawberries with higher firmness, irrespective of the application interval weekly or biweekly. From an environmental standpoint, optimizing calcium application in soilless systems contributes to resource-efficient agriculture by reducing nutrient waste, minimizing leaching, and lowering the environmental footprint associated with excessive fertilizer use. This approach supports sustainable fruit production, especially in areas facing soil degradation and water scarcity, thereby aligning strawberry cultivation practices with broader environmental conservation goals.