Dual benefits of compost tea bacteria: boosting ‘San Andreas’ strawberries’ productivity and fruit quality

Abstract

Bacteria represent promising tools for reducing the use of synthetic inputs in crop production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two bacterial strains isolated from chicken compost tea—Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas mendocina—on the yield and quality of strawberry. Experimental assays were conducted in two seasons (2023 and 2024) under macro-tunnel conditions, with the following treatments: control without applications (Con); commercial NPK fertilizer (FerC); application of B. licheniformis (BL) and P. mendocina (PM) solution in soil once a month. Both bacterial treatments enhanced soil properties. Fruit individual weight significantly increased in BL treatment compared to the control. Similar trends were observed for anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content (increases > 25%), as well as for antioxidant activity (increases of more than 20% and 13% for BL and PM, respectively). The differences were more significant in 2023. In addition, both strains showed positive in vitro results for phytase, siderophore, and IAA production (5.8–8.8 and 9.3–13 µg IAA/mL for BL and PM after 15 days). Although further field validation is required, these results indicate that bacteria (particularly B. licheniformis) show strong potential as bioinoculants to enhance the productivity and quality of strawberry