Growth promotion under inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma asperellum in maize cultivation
Keywords:
microrganismos promotores de crescimento; co-inoculação; Zea mays.Abstract
The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms is an important strategy for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production, especially in crops of high economic importance, such as maize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of isolated inoculation and co-inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma asperellum on the initial growth of maize plants (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments: control (no inoculation), A. brasilense, T. asperellum, and the combination of A. brasilense + T. asperellum, with three replicates. The growth of the aerial part was evaluated throughout the initial cycle and, at the end of the experimental period, the length and volume of the root system. The results indicated that co-inoculation promoted greater growth of the aerial part and a significant increase in root development when compared to the isolated treatments and the control. The effects observed are associated with the complementary mechanisms of action of the microorganisms, involving biological nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, greater efficiency in nutrient absorption, and stimulation of root architecture. It is concluded that the co-inoculation of A. brasilense and T. asperellum has agronomic potential to promote greater initial vigor in maize, making it a promising practice for sustainable agricultural systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Arthur Bredow Neubauer, Nicole Bulsing Lemes, Yohan Daniel Silva Jorge, Benjamin Dias Osório Filho
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