Ensilaged biostimulants promoting root health and control of Radopholus similis in banana (Musa AAA) cv. Grande Naine

This study evaluates plant growth promotion and the suppressive effect of the burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) in banana Musa AAA cv Grande Naine, by two ensilaged biostimulants (EBSs) in two greenhouse trials and in two different commercial farms. Conductive (CS) and suppressive (SS) soils to plant parasitic nematodes were used for EBSs production. The EBSs were incorporated in the growth substrate at 10% w/w before planting the in vitro banana plants and before R. similis inoculation in the greenhouse trials. In commercial banana plantations, the treatments were applied every four months by incorporating 500 g of the EBS into the soil in front of the successional sucker of each banana plant. The results showed that both EBSs were effective, stimulating the root growth and reducing R. similis. The EBS with CS reduced R. similis consistently in greenhouse and field evaluations. The data suggests the potential of EBSs to promote unfavorable conditions for the burrowing nematode reproduction and more favorable conditions to the development and production of the crop, which could contribute to promote more sustainable banana production.