Myrtillocactus geometrizans fruit plant stimulated with Effective microorganisms

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop an innovative technology for the cultivation of Myrtillocactus geometrizans, introducing the use of Effective microorganisms and at the same time, limiting the use of mineral fertilizers, plant protection products and improving the physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of garambullos for consumption and processing. The trial showed a significant improvement in the agronomic parameters analysed on Myrtillocactus geometrizans plants treated with Effective microorganisms. In particular, there was an increase in plant height and circumference, vegetative and root weight, number of flowers and fruits, number and length of thornes in plants treated with microorganisms. In addition, the use of EM microorganisms showed a significant increase in total betalains, ascorbic acid, phenols and total flavonoids in garambullos. It was important to underline how the use of Effective microorganisms guaranteed, despite the reduction of irrigation and fertilisation by 50% in the growing medium, the same results in terms of agronomic parameters and fruit production and quality as the control with irrigation and fertilisation under optimal conditions. The application of Effective microorganisms in agricultural processing can therefore guarantee higher production standards, with a possible reduction in costs fertilizer and water. Particularly for those farms that want to focus on the production of ornamental and fruit cacti. Fruits obtained from growing plants treated with Effective microorganisms have a high antioxidant and nutraceutical potential, which is very important especially in this age where food is also a medicine.