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Chemical, Anatomical, and Productivity Responses of Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L.) to Integrated Biofertilizer Applications with PGPR, Cyanobacteria, and Yeast

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  • Rihab M. Omer

    (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science in Baljurashi, Al-Baha University, Al Bahah 65528, Saudi Arabia)

  • Heba M. Hewait

    (Department of Microbiology, Soils, Water, and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12112, Egypt)

  • Emad Mady

    (Department of Environmental Conservation, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA)

  • Sawsan K. M. Yousif

    (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science in Baljurashi, Al-Baha University, Al Bahah 65528, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ebtesam A. Gashash

    (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science in Baljurashi, Al-Baha University, Al Bahah 65528, Saudi Arabia)

  • Reena Randhir

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA 01105, USA)

  • Ashmawi E. Ashmawi

    (Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt)

  • Ahmed M. El-Taher

    (Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt)

  • Nadi A. Al-Harbi

    (Biology Department, University College of Tayma, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia)

  • Timothy O. Randhir

    (Department of Environmental Conservation, College of Natural Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA)

Abstract

Integrated biofertilizers such as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs), cyanobacteria, and yeast can considerably improve the growth, integrity, and overall health of crops, including cowpea. In this study, we assess the benefits of applying microbial fertilizers as an eco-friendly approach to partially substitute chemical fertilizers while maintaining growth and yield characteristics in cowpea plants. We investigated the role of the three microorganisms, Bacillus amyloliquefacien (B), Nostoc mucorum (C), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y), individually and in four possible combinations (B + C, B + Y, C + Y, and B + C + Y) as integrated bio-fertilizers on the microbial enzyme activities, plant growth parameters, and yield characteristics of cowpea. Plants inoculated with B + C + Y mixture resulted in significant improvement in dehydrogenase enzyme activity by 390%, chlorophyll by 180%, plant dry weight by 130%, and in the pod length and dry weight by 68% and 190%, respectively, compared to non-inoculated plants. The grain total carbohydrates increased by 170% over the control due to treatment with B + C + Y. The B + C + Y treatment also positively influenced the anatomy of the terminal leaflet with a 16.6% higher thickness of the midrib zone, 22.6% increase in vascular bundle length, and 42.4% and 33.5% increases in upper and lower epidermal leaf layers, respectively. Additionally, palisade and spongy tissues increased by 36.9% and 26.5%, respectively, compared to the control. An integrated nutrient management program using biofertilizers is recommended for achieving higher yields and environmentally safe cowpea production.

Suggested Citation

  • Rihab M. Omer & Heba M. Hewait & Emad Mady & Sawsan K. M. Yousif & Ebtesam A. Gashash & Reena Randhir & Ashmawi E. Ashmawi & Ahmed M. El-Taher & Nadi A. Al-Harbi & Timothy O. Randhir, 2023. "Chemical, Anatomical, and Productivity Responses of Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L.) to Integrated Biofertilizer Applications with PGPR, Cyanobacteria, and Yeast," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7599-:d:1140115
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    1. Pauline Chivenge & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Albert T. Modi & Paramu Mafongoya, 2015. "The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-27, May.
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