Fungos multifuncionais da Amazônia Oriental promovem crescimento de plantas de coentro (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivadas com adubação orgânica reduzida

Abstract

The growing demand for chemical-free vegetables necessitates the adoption of alternative production techniques, particularly within urban and peri-urban family farming systems that supply major metropolitan areas. While organic fertilization serves as the primary alternative to synthetic fertilizers, the intensive use of inputs such as poultry litter can increase production costs. Fungal biostimulants represent a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the growth, profitability, and nutritional characteristics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), cv. Taboca, biostimulated by native Amazonian fungi of the species Trichoderma asperellum, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Beauveria bassiana, associated with a 50% reduction in organic fertilization. The bioassay was conducted in a commercial family farming area in Marituba, Eastern Amazon, Brazil, using a randomized block design. Treatments consisted of: T0 – 100% organic fertilization (poultry litter); T1 – 50% organic fertilization; T2 – 50% organic fertilization + T. asperellum; T3 – 50% fertilization + M. anisopliae; T4 – 50% organic fertilization + B. bassiana; and T5 – 50% organic fertilization + Mix (M. anisopliae + B. bassiana). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Duncan’s test, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results indicated that all biostimulated treatments showed superior performance in biometric, economic, and nutritional parameters. Notably, T. asperellum achieved the highest growth rates, profit margins, and nutritional content compared to the control. In conclusion, the application of native Amazonian fungi, specifically T. asperellum, combined with 50% organic fertilization, constitutes a viable and profitable strategy for the sustainable cultivation of coriander cv. Taboca.