Enhancing yield and storability of snap bean by bio fertilizer as a solutions for climate change-affected sustainable agriculture

Abstract EN

Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies heavily rely on biotechnology.

Thus, the development and application of biofertilizers containing beneficial bacteria and algae are a potential technique to improve horticulture crops.

To evaluate the effects of biofertilizer such as seaweed extract, Azospirillum brasilense and Rhizobium phaseolus vulgaris on promoting the productivity, quality, and storability of two cultivars (Tema and Joty) of snap bean.

The experiment was carried out during two summer seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Agricultural Station of Cairo University.

There were four treatments in the study: foliar applications of liquid seaweed extract (2 ml/l), soil applications of Azospirillum brasilense and Rhizobium phaseolus vulgaris (300 g/acre per microorganism), and a control treatment (water spraying).

Pods after harvest from each treatment were stored in polyethylene packages for 21 days at 5 C.

The results revealed that foliar application of seaweed achieved vegetative growth (plant height, Nomber of leave/plant, chlorophyll content, and leaf area) of both cultivars, yield, and pod quality (pod firmness, diameter, and weight) of Joty while, the highest total soluble sugar was recorded for the Tema cultivar in all the tested treatments compared to control treatment.

The highest ascorbic content, TSS, general appearance and antioxidant activity were recorded in a foliar application of seaweed extract after 21 day of storage at 5 C.

We can summarized that foliar application of seaweed at 2% can be used as a biostimulant for improving vegetative growth, yield, and storability of snap beans.