Root-associated beneficial microorganisms improve nutrient use efficiency and fruit functional quality in sustainable raspberry production
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Enhancing nutrient use efficiency while preserving fruit functional quality represents a critical bottleneck in the transition toward sustainable raspberry production systems. Root-associated beneficial microorganisms are increasingly recognized as key drivers of rhizosphere processes that regulate nutrient cycling and influence plant metabolic responses. This study evaluated the field-level integration of a consortium of selected root-associated beneficial microorganisms, formulated as a microbial-enriched vermicompost extract developed at the Fruit Research Institute Čačak, Serbia, within contrasting fertilization strategies. The experiment compared conventional mineral fertilization with two integrated fertilization systems combining mineral fertilization with microbial-based inputs (microbial-enriched vermicompost extract or humus-based fertilizer) and zeolite, together with a microbial-enriched vermicompost extract treatment applied independently and an unfertilized control. The biologically supported mineral systems, particularly the microbial-enriched system, significantly increased the number of fruiting laterals per floricane and fruits per fruiting lateral , fruit weight, and soluble solids content compared with mineral fertilization alone (p < 0.05). Treatments involving the microbial consortium, either applied independently or integrated with mineral fertilization, also enhanced total phenolic content, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), indicating improved regulation of secondary metabolism. The most pronounced effects were observed when microbial consortia were combined with mineral fertilization, suggesting synergistic interactions between microbial functionality and nutrient inputs. Collectively, the results highlight the agronomic relevance of root-associated beneficial microorganisms in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and fruit functional quality, supporting their integration into sustainable raspberry production systems.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204017758