Effect of two biofertilisers on the production of Akikon and Mongal, two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties in Southern Bénin

Abstract

The implementation of resilient agroecological practices is essential to address current environmental and socio-economic challenges in agriculture. Among these practices, the use of microorganisms in the form of commercial and artisanal preparations is increasingly gaining attention. One such preparation is Fermented Forest Litter (LiFoFer), which aims to improve soil fertility, stimulate vegetative growth, and enhance crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of LiFoFer and compost on the growth and yield of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties, Akikon and Mongal, in southern Benin. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The results showed that vegetative growth was significantly higher in plots of the Akikon variety treated with LiFoFer (T3), which recorded an average plant height of 73.47 ± 9.72 cm and a stem collar circumference of 5.54 ± 1.84 cm at 6 weeks after transplanting (WAT). Similarly, plots of the Mongal variety treated with LiFoFer (T4) exhibited an average plant height of 47.02 ± 13.54 cm at 4 WAT. In addition, treatments based on compost alone (T5, T6) and those combining compost with LiFoFer (T1 and T7) produced significant effects on both growth and yield. Regarding productivity, the Akikon variety receiving LiFoFer at a rate of 40 L/ha achieved the highest yield, reaching 22.25 ± 10.5 t/ha. These findings highlight the potential of biofertilizers, particularly LiFoFer, as sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs, thereby contributing to the development of more climate-resilient agricultural systems.