Enhancing Growth, Essential Oil Production, and Stress Tolerance in Marjoram Plants using Biostimulants under Saline Conditions.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt

2 Department of Agricultural Microbiology Researches, Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Salinity is abiotic stress that reducing plant growth in the most parts of the world. This research assessed the impact of various biostimulant treatments on rhizospheric microbial activity, growth parameters, essential oil, and the chemical composition of marjoram plants subjected to saline conditions. The findings indicated that the use of biostimulants markedly improved microbial populations, enzyme activities, compared to the control treatment. Compost with Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated the highest levels of bacterial, yeast, and enzyme activity, also, yeast significantly enhanced plant height, branch number, both plant fresh and dry weights of marjoram herb, and essential oil production, with maximum yields for two seasons. Notable improvements were found in both the yield and composition of volatile oils, with terpinen-4-ol and linalool identified as the predominant compounds in the marjoram plants treated with compost and biostimulants. The application of biostimulants with compost increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium while, reduced sodium accumulation and elevated carbohydrate and proline levels, that effectively mitigating salinity stress. These findings underscore the efficacy of biostimulants, such as yeast strains and Azolla pinnata, in promoting plant growth, enhancing soil microbial activity, and boosting essential oil production. This presents a sustainable approach for improving crop resilience and productivity under stressful conditions.

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