Study of the effect of microbial inoculation on onion (Allium cepa l.) cultivation

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a horticultural species whose bulb and aerial parts are consumed, the latter as green onion. Onion cultivation is affected by diseases and is extremely sensitive to water stress, which significantly reduces its yield. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of applying a microbial consortium consisting of biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biocontrol agents on onion cultivation in the Province of Catamarca (Argentina). A bio-input composed of native strains of the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma spp. and bacterial strains of Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus thuringiensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and Bradyrhizobium sp. was used. The study was conducted in a plot located in Colonia del Valle, Capayán Department, Catamarca. Two treatments were implemented: one with inoculation of the microbial consortium and the other with water application as a control. Two foliar applications were carried out. The evaluation of onion crop performance considered total yield, average bulb weight, bulb size, harvest index, biomass production, and plant count. The results indicate that the application of the microbial consortium increased yields, growth, and development of onion plants. It was determined that the application of selected native microorganisms has a growth-promoting effect on plants, enhancing the growth and productivity of onion crops.