Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Horticulturae Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 October 2026 | Viewed by 7202

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Martin Raspor

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: abiotic stress; bioremediation; plant hormones; plant-microbe interactions; plant nutrition; rhizosphere; root development; shoot organogenesis; shoot regeneration; trace elements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Olga Radulović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Department for Plant Physiology, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: aquatic ecology; bioremediation; duckweeds; microbiology; organic pollutants; plant nutrition; plant stress physiology; rhizosphere; wastewater treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food security and safety are growing concerns in a world facing the increasing challenges of overpopulation, climate change, land degradation, and the spread of plant pathogens, pests, and invasive weeds into new areas. The overuse of synthetic fertilizers has led to environmental problems such as soil and water pollution, freshwater eutrophication, and the depletion of global mineral reserves of phosphate rock.

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to beneficial soil microbes due to their great, and globally underutilized, potential for enhancing crop growth under unfavorable conditions. The list of bacterial and fungal species and strains that are able to enhance the availability of soil nutrients to plants; alleviate the consequences of abiotic stress through the release of antioxidants and other protective metabolites into the soil; and protect crop plants or induce systemic resistance against pathogens and pests is ever-expanding. Many of these beneficial microbial strains are marketed by the agrochemical industry and sold as preparations for the enhancement of crop growth: microbial fertilizers, or so-called "biofertilizers".

The market for microbial fertilizers is growing, and their specific effects on the growth and protection of crop species are continuously investigated. In horticulture, the benefits of novel microbial fertilizers for the cultivation of minor crops, such as rare or local varieties of vegetables and fruits, as well as ornamental plants and floricultural species, are still insufficiently investigated.

We welcome research and review submissions focusing on novel insights into the effects of biofertilizers on fruit and vegetable crops, as well as floricultural and ornamental plants. In contrast, non-horticultural crops, including large-scale industrial plantations, cereals, and other staple crops, are more aligned with agronomy and are therefore out of the scope of this Special Issue.

Dr. Martin Raspor
Dr. Olga Radulović
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biocontrol agents
biofertilizers
climate resilience
induced systemic resistance
local and rare horticultural crops
microbial fertilizers
nutrient solubilization
plant growth promotion
rhizobacteria
soil enzymes

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

22 pages, 3233 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Non-Target Effects of Trichoderma- and Bacillus-Based Products on the Citrus Microbiome

by Giuseppa Rosaria Leonardi, Alexandros Mosca, Daniele Nicotra, Maria Elena Massimino, Giulio Dimaria, Grete Francesca Privitera, Alessandro Vitale, Giancarlo Polizzi, Dalia Aiello and Vittoria Catara

Horticulturae 2026, 12(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12050529 - 24 Apr 2026

Viewed by 994

Abstract

Microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere and phyllosphere are recognized as fundamental components influencing essential plant processes, including nutrient acquisition, growth promotion, and tolerance to stress. Biological control agents (BCAs), such as Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp., are widely applied in citrus crops. However, while BCAs effectiveness against plant pathogens is widely established, their resulting impact on indigenous, non-target bacterial and fungal communities remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the non-target effects of two commercial microbial formulations—one containing Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012 and T. gamsii ICC 080, and the other Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713—on the resident microbiomes of Citrus volkameriana seedlings by using the amplicon-based metagenomic analysis, targeting the 16S rRNA and ITS1 regions. The application of the Trichoderma formulation as a soil drench in the rhizosphere resulted in minimal changes to the overall composition and diversity (α- and β-diversity) of the bacterial communities. This stability is considered a desirable trait for overall soil health. However, specific taxonomic changes were observed, such as a notable decrease in the genus Rhodococcus (0.4% vs. 1.5% in controls) among bacteria. In the fungal communities, the treatment led to a significant shift in phylum relative abundance, characterized by an increase in Basidiomycota (38% vs. 28% in controls) and a corresponding decrease in Ascomycota (51% vs. 56% in controls). Successful colonization was confirmed by a substantially higher relative abundance of the inoculated Trichoderma genus compared to control plants (1.4% vs. 0.1% in controls). Conversely, the foliar application of the Bacillus product induced a substantial restructuring of the phyllosphere bacterial community. This treatment caused a statistically significant reduction in bacterial α-diversity and a clear differentiation in community composition (β-diversity) relative to untreated controls. The successful colonization by the BCA resulted in the dominance of the Bacillus genus in the treated samples (27% vs. 2% in controls). Importantly, this ecological shift was accompanied by the enrichment of other beneficial bacterial taxa, including Sphingomonas (15% vs. 4% in controls) and the Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia group (4% vs. 2% in controls). While fungal phyla abundances remained generally stable in the phyllosphere, specific genera such as Cladosporium (15% vs. 23% in controls) and Symmetrospora (21% vs. 13% in controls) prevailed post-treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of considering non-target microbiome shift when implementing microbial biocontrol strategies in citrus production systems, since in this study was demonstrated that commercial BCAs exert a markedly differential influence based on the compartment of application: Trichoderma promoted ecological stability in the rhizosphere, whereas Bacillus induced a directional community shift in the phyllosphere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

23 pages, 3713 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Favor Vegetative Development and Optimize Nutrient Uptake in Lisianthus

by Tsujmejy Gómez-Navor, Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino, Juan José Almaraz-Suárez, Marco Polo Carballo-Sánchez, J. Cruz García-Albarado and Libia Iris Trejo-Téllez

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030350 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 624

Abstract

Lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners] is among the 10 most produced and marketed cut flowers in the world. However, its slow growth represents a challenge for its production. This study evaluated the efficiency of rhizobacterial strains in vegetative growth and nutrient acquisition in lisianthus plants. Freshly germinated seeds of lisianthus cv. Mariachi Blue Double were used. Seven rhizobacterial strains and two controls (sterile distilled water and nutrient broth) were evaluated in a completely randomized design. Replication varied among treatments and variables: shoot growth traits were assessed on 10–12 plants per treatment, root biomass on a destructive subsample of six plants per treatment and shoot nutrient contents on four composite samples per treatment. Measurements taken 149 days after sowing showed that plants inoculated with the strains Acinetobacter vivianii C48, Achromobacter xylosoxidans C56, and Arthrobacter pokkalii JLB4 had greater height, leaf area, leaf number, and fresh and dry biomass, both aerial and in the root. These strains also enhanced N and P uptake in shoot tissues. In contrast, the Bacillus pumilus strain R44 significantly decreased height and leaf number. The results suggest that strains C48, C56 and JLB4 can stimulate nutrition, accelerate plant growth, and shorten the vegetative phase in lisianthus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 694 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Applied Pre-Plant with Liquid Fertilizer Increased Russet Potato Yield Without Affecting Quality

by Salah Abdelsalam, Samuel Y. C. Essah and Jessica G. Davis

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030268 - 26 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 421

Abstract

Potato is a vital crop in the United States, and increasing its production is essential. Due to their differences in rooting characteristics and nitrogen (N) needs, each potato cultivar generally receives specific research-based N recommendations. However, limited research exists on how other fertilizer nutrients, including micronutrients and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), affect potato yield and quality. This study evaluated the response of Mesa Russet potatoes to various pre-plant and foliar fertilizer treatments on sandy, alkaline soil in Colorado, USA for two growing seasons. Six fertilizer treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications: (1) 4-13-17-1S (control), also known as the Farmer’s Standard, (2) 3-10-13, (3) 3-10-13 + PGPR, (4) 3-10-13-1S-1Zn, (5) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-acetate foliar, and (6) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar. The results showed that treatment PGPR maximized tuber bulking rate by 1.5 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹, and 3.3 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹ in 2016 and 2017, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Also, treatment 3-10-13 + PGPR had the highest total and larger tuber (>114 g, >170 g and >284 g) yields in both years. In contrast, the control (4-13-17-1S) had the lowest yield in both years. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-Ac foliar resulted in total yields in both years that were statistically similar to the PGPR treatment; this treatment had the highest N, P, and Zn applications compared to all other treatments. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar exhibited marketable yields (tubers > 114 g) comparable to the PGPR treatment in both years; this treatment had the highest S application as compared to the others. Further testing of PGPRs, S, and Zn individually and in combination is needed to evaluate their impact on other Russet potato cultivars grown in sandy soils prior to broadening these recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3997 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Benefits of Compost Tea Bacteria: Boosting ‘San Andreas’ Strawberries’ Productivity and Fruit Quality

by Gisela M. Seimandi, Gabriela Garmendia, Juan G. Nicolier, María A. Favaro, Laura N. Fernandez, Verónica E. Ruiz, Silvana Vero and Marcos G. Derita

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020252 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 665

Abstract

Bacteria represent promising tools for reducing the use of synthetic inputs in crop production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two bacterial strains isolated from chicken compost tea—Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas mendocina—on the yield and quality of strawberry. Experimental assays were conducted in two seasons (2023 and 2024) under macro-tunnel conditions, with the following treatments: control without applications (Con); commercial NPK fertilizer (FerC); application of B. licheniformis (BL) and P. mendocina (PM) solution in soil once a month. Both bacterial treatments enhanced soil properties. Fruit individual weight significantly increased in BL treatment compared to the control. Similar trends were observed for anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content (increases > 25%), as well as for antioxidant activity (increases of more than 20% and 13% for BL and PM, respectively). The differences were more significant in 2023. In addition, both strains showed positive in vitro results for phytase, siderophore, and IAA production (5.8–8.8 and 9.3–13 µg IAA/mL for BL and PM after 15 days). Although further field validation is required, these results indicate that bacteria (particularly B. licheniformis) show strong potential as bioinoculants to enhance the productivity and quality of strawberry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 13751 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Biofertilization by Marine Streptomyces sp. and Leonardite Enhances Yield and Heatwave Resilience in Tomato Plants

by Amayaly Becerril-Espinosa, Ahtziri G. Lomeli-Mancilla, Paulina Beatriz Gutiérrez-Martínez, Blanca Catalina Ramírez-Hernández, Jesús Emilio Michel-Morfín, Ildefonso Enciso-Padilla, Rodrigo Perez-Ramirez, Francisco Javier Choix-Ley, Marcela Mariel Maldonado-Villegas, Eduardo Juarez-Carrillo, Asdrubal Burgos and Héctor Ocampo-Alvarez

Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091081 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1414

Abstract

Humic substances and beneficial microorganisms are key biostimulants for sustainable agriculture and global food security in the face of climate change. Marine bacteria are emerging as a promising source of plant-beneficial microbes, tapping into a microbial diversity as immense as the oceans themselves. However, their potential, limitations, and mechanisms of action––especially in combination with other biostimulants––remain largely unexplored. In this study, we isolated the Streptomyces sp. LAP3 strain from the giant limpet Scutellastra mexicana. We evaluated the efficacy of the marine bacterium, applied alone or in combination with the humic product Leonardite hydrolate (L), in enhancing tomato performance under field conditions. Treatments included: (1) marine Streptomyces (MS), (2) Leonardite hydrolate (L), (3) both biostimulants (MS + L), and (4) a control (CTRL). We assessed growth, photosynthetic performance, antioxidant responses, and fruit yield and quality. Both biostimulants individually improved plant performance, but their combination had a significant synergistic effect, markedly boosting tomato productivity, thermotolerance, and resilience during a heatwave. Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant enzyme activity were associated with improved agronomic traits. These results highlight the potential of combining Streptomyces sp. LAP3 and Leonardite hydrolate as an eco-friendly strategy to increase crop productivity, strengthen stress resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce reliance on agrochemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1972 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Pea Production in Hungary: Integrating Conservation Tillage with the Application of Rhizobium spp., Ensifer spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Bacillus spp. Bacterial Inoculants for Sustainable Farming

by Jana Marjanović, Abdulrahman Maina Zubairu, Sandor Varga, Shokhista Turdalieva, Réka Erika Döbröntey, Mária Ágnes Fodor and Apolka Ujj

Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020213 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1930

Abstract

This study examines the impact of agroecological practices on soil quality and crop yields in small-scale farming, focusing on the combination of microbial soil inoculation, crop rotation, and conservation tillage methods. Conducted at the SZIA Agroecological Garden MATE in Gödöllő, Hungary, the experiment used 12 plots, employing various conservation tillage techniques, including soil loosening with and without microbial inoculants, as well as no-till systems with and without inoculation. Six of the plots were inoculated with beneficial bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mobility, nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression. In 2024, peas (Pisum sativum L.) were planted following potatoes in a small-scale market-oriented crop rotation, with the continuous monitoring of crop performance and soil characteristics. This ongoing study focuses on evaluating the long-term effects of crop rotation on key agricultural parameters, aiming to optimize practices over time. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) revealed no significant differences across most parameters (p > 0.05), except for total sugar content (p < 0.05), which aligns with expectations given the limited tillage prior to the study. The standard significance level of p < 0.05 was used to balance error risks, ensure adequate statistical power, and maintain consistency with established agricultural research practices. However, the study trends indicated potential long-term benefits, particularly in plots with microbial inoculants, where pea yield and pod size showed improvement compared to non-inoculated and control plots. Microbial inoculants may show long-term effects, as they gradually improve soil health, support microbial communities, and enhance nutrient cycling, which takes time to become noticeable. These findings highlight the potential advantages of combining conservation tillage with microbial inoculants, suggesting that this combination could foster enhanced soil health and productivity over time. The novel setting of this study underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to fully capture the benefits of agroecological interventions, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable agricultural practices and improving small-scale farming outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Effects of Microbial Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Horticultural Plants

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI