Tecnología Microbial Catalyst® en Plátano ‘Barraganete’ en Fase de Vivero.

Abstract

The present research on the application of Microbial Catalyst® Technology on 'Barraganete' plantain seedlings in the nursery stage, carried out in El Carmen, Manabí, had the objective of evaluating the impact of this technology on the root development of the crop and to determine the optimum immersion time to maximize the area and vigor of the roots. Seven treatments with different immersion times (from immediate to 10 hours) and a control group were applied, analyzing variables such as percentage mortality, root biomass, pseudostem diameter and weight, plant height, and leaf area. The results showed that the 6-hour immersion treatment had the lowest percentage of mortality (7.05%), while the 10-hour immersion promoted greater root development and biomass. Although no statistically significant differences were observed in many variables, the technology showed promise in improving root growth and reducing dependence on external inputs, contributing to greater crop sustainability and productivity. It was determined that the use of Microbial Catalyst® is an effective alternative to optimize nursery seedling production, with both economic and environmental benefits.