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Application of alginate microparticles simultaneously loaded with Trichoderma viride and calcium or copper cations on tomato cultivation

Trichoderma species are known as important biocontrol agents as well as a promotor of plants growth. Loading in biopolymer matrices has been recognized as an effective method for controlled release of T. species used for plant protection and nutrition. Calcium and copper are essential plant nutrients and their lack causes a significant plant physiological disorder. Simultaneous loading of calcium or copper cations with T. viride spores in alginate microparticles (microspheres/microcapsules) can improve the activity of T. viride and presents novel formulations for plant protection/nutrition in the path of ecological and sustainable agriculture. The main aim of this investigations is to present benefits of novel agroformulation application on tomato cultivation in the open field. We have developed and characterized alginate microspheres and microcapsules (with chitosan layer) prepared by the ionic gelation using calcium chloride or copper sulfate as a crosslinking agent and loaded with T. viride spores The in vitro results pointed out remarkable differences in the release behavior of T. viride spores and calcium or copper ions on concentration of gelling cations and the presence of chitosan layer on microcapsule surface. The increase in gelling cations concentration promoted, but the chitosan layer on microcapsule surface slowed both, T. viride spores and calcium or copper release. Applications of novel microspheres/microcapsules during tomato cultivation in the open field revealed the better development of seedlings, buds and fertilization, number and weight of fruits, and maturation. The most significant effect of the application was observed in the increasing number of tomato fruits. The amount of most important active components in tomato fruits (lycopene, beta-carotene, calcium ions, total phenol content and their DPPH/ABTS antioxidative profile) was also investigated. Tomato fruits reached a significant increase in almost all measured parameters compared to the control. According to our findings, this is also a unique attempt to apply biologically (T. viride spores) and chemically (calcium or copper ions) bioactive components on tomato cultivation that would be of particular importance to ecological growth and in the process of functional food production.

microspheres, microcapsules, Trichoderma viride, calcium or copper cations, tomato cultivation

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