Effect of compost tea containing phosphogypsum on potato plant growth and protection against Fusarium solani infection

Abstract

Three composts made of industrial wastes were prepared by mixing olive oil mill waste water (OMW), olive pomace, coffee grounds, and phosphogypsum (0, 10, and 30%). Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) cultivated in a greenhouse were used to screen compost tea suppressive ability. All compost tea treatments inhibited Fusarium solani growth and improved plant growth and response to F. solani infection. The antagonistic effects of the different treatments were associated with a marked increase of the antioxidant enzymes and PR (pathogenesis related) protein expression and a decrease of disease severity. These results also showed that plant growth and disease suppression were improved by application of phosphogypsum-supplemented compost teas (A10 and A30). This enhancement can be attributed to the influence of phosphogypsum on nutrient elements and microbial diversity in the resulting compost teas.