Bacillus spp. strain-induced modulation of stomatal density in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) and associated soil microbiological responses
Journal
Acta agriculturae Serbica
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Atanasova-Pancevska, Natalija
Todevska, Daniela
Kostandinovska, Sofija
Kovacevik, Biljana
Ilievski, Mite
Markova-Ruzdik, Natalija
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5937/AASer2560111A
Abstract
Reducing chemical pesticide use and adopting biological alternatives are key priorities in sustainable horticulture. This study
compared the effects of chemical and biological treatments on stomatal density in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) and evaluated
associated soil microbiological changes. Field trials near Skopje included a control (untreated) plot and three treatments: (T1)
foliar application of Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (40 g/kg metalaxyl-M + 640 g/kg mancozeb), (T2) Bacillus velezensis strain B-98, and
(T3) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B-62. Stomatal density was determined microscopically on both leaf surfaces, and soil
microbial communities were quantified before and after the growing season. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences
(p < 0.001) in lower epidermal stomatal density between the control and all treatments, with T3 exhibiting the highest value
(1552 stomata/mm²). Biological treatments also increased beneficial soil microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing and
cellulolytic bacteria. The results highlight B. amyloliquefaciens strain B-62 as a promising biopreparation for enhancing
physiological traits and soil health in sustainable parsnip production.
compared the effects of chemical and biological treatments on stomatal density in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) and evaluated
associated soil microbiological changes. Field trials near Skopje included a control (untreated) plot and three treatments: (T1)
foliar application of Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG (40 g/kg metalaxyl-M + 640 g/kg mancozeb), (T2) Bacillus velezensis strain B-98, and
(T3) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain B-62. Stomatal density was determined microscopically on both leaf surfaces, and soil
microbial communities were quantified before and after the growing season. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences
(p < 0.001) in lower epidermal stomatal density between the control and all treatments, with T3 exhibiting the highest value
(1552 stomata/mm²). Biological treatments also increased beneficial soil microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing and
cellulolytic bacteria. The results highlight B. amyloliquefaciens strain B-62 as a promising biopreparation for enhancing
physiological traits and soil health in sustainable parsnip production.