Sinergismo da aplicação de Trichoderma spp. e seu efeito bioestimulante em Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme sob doses de nitrogênio e em Eruca sativa L.

Abstract

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have been widely associated with the production of phytohormones and the modulation of factors that contribute to plant growth, providing greater nutrient use efficiency, increasing the availability and uptake of these elements, and promoting a more vigorous development. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) under different nitrogen doses associated with the application of commercial strains of Trichoderma spp., as well as to investigate the influence of these microorganisms and their application times on the development of arugula (Eruca sativa L.). The trials were conducted in a greenhouse at the State University of Goiás, University Unit of Ipameri, GO, Brazil. For the cherry tomato crop, a randomized block design in a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement was adopted, consisting of five nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g of N per plant) and three biological management practices: conventional (no application), T. harzianum (strain IBLF 006), and T. asperellum (strain URM 5911), evaluating plant height, number of flowers, number of fruits, plant fresh mass, and fruit fresh mass. In parallel, the arugula experiment followed a randomized block design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, comprising two application times (at sowing and 30 days after) and four biological treatments: conventional (no application), T. harzianum (strain IBLF 006), T. asperellum (strain URM 5911), and both strains (T. harzianum + T. asperellum). Plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, number of leaves, and leaf fresh mass were evaluated. The results showed that inoculation with Trichoderma significantly and positively influenced the performance of both crops. In cherry tomato, a significant interaction between the factors was observed, with the combination of the T. harzianum strain and the estimated dose of 15 g of N/plant being the most effective in maximizing yield. In the arugula crop, the application time did not significantly interfere with most variables; however, inoculation with T. asperellum promoted the greatest agronomic increments. It is concluded that the use of the evaluated strains acts as an efficient biostimulant, optimizing crop management and productive efficiency in vegetables.