Evaluación de humus de lombriz peletizado, enriquecido con microorganismos promotores de crecimiento en el cultivo de la orquídea Stanhopea sp

Abstract

Pelletized vermicompost and plant growth-promoting microorganisms have been documented as biotechnological inputs with the potential to optimize growing substrates; however, their combined application in ex situ conservation protocols for orchids of the genus Stanhopea sp. remains underexplored. This study aimed to determine the effect of different concentrations of pelletized vermicompost (10%, 30%, and 50%) and various levels of inoculation with plant growth-promoting microorganisms on the morphological and reproductive variables of Stanhopea sp. Methodologically, a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement was implemented, using 120 specimens distributed among 10 treatments with four replicates, evaluated weekly over 8 months. The results showed that the treatment with 10% vermicompost inoculated with a 10% microbial solution generated the highest number of accumulated shoots (99), the greatest length (45 cm), and the only recorded flowering, while the absolute control presented the lowest values. Humus concentrations above 30% reduced vegetative development, suggesting a possible substrate saturation effect. It was concluded that the combination of 10% pelletized vermicompost with a 10% solution of plant growth-promoting microorganisms significantly improved the establishment and vegetative growth of Stanhopea sp. providing useful evidence for the design of ex situ conservation protocols and sustainable orchid production.

Keywords: Stanhopea; pelletized earthworm humus; plant growth-promoting microorganisms; ex situ conservation; organic substrate.