Effect of biofertilizers and organic fertilization on the growth and yield of cherry tomato plant

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the demonstration farm in the Al-Mahnawiya area, Al-Sadda district, Babil Governorate, to evaluate the effects of bio- and organic fertilization on the growth and yield of tomato plants. Bio-fertilization with mycorrhizal fungi (A1) significantly increased several parameters, including the number of leaves (19.94 leaves plant⁻¹), cluster weight (91.59 g), yield per plant (2783 g), total soluble solids (TSS, 9.31%), acidity (3.93%), and vitamin C content (22.18 mg 100 g⁻¹ fresh weight). Bacillus spp. treatment (A2) recorded the highest plant height (184.71 cm), number of clusters (8.89 plant⁻¹), and number of fruits (121.1 plant⁻¹). Among organic fertilization treatments, palm frond residues (B4) resulted in the highest plant height (182.59 cm), number of clusters (8.96 plant⁻¹), fruit number (116.6 plant⁻¹), acidity (3.83%), and vitamin C content (17.54 mg 100 g⁻¹). Poultry waste (B2) also improved plant growth, particularly leaf number (19.34 plant⁻¹) and cluster weight (90.96 g). The combined treatment A1B2 exhibited superior performance across multiple traits, while A1B4 and A2B4 further enhanced vitamin C content and cluster formation, respectively. These results indicate the potential benefits of integrating bio- and organic fertilizers in tomato cultivation.