Effect of a microbial inoculum on the growth of tomato plants

Sowing the tomato crop through inoculated seedlings constitutes an ecologically acceptable alternative that guarantees greater growth and reduces external inputs. In order to increase the growth and development of tomato, a study was carried out in a traditional seedbed with the objective of evaluating the most effective dilutions in the growth of tomato plants previously embedded in the seeds in the microbial inoculum (MI). This experiment was conducted under a Completely Random Design with five treatments and five repetitions. The data were through the Statgraphics Centurion program (version 15.1) processed. The imbibition of tomato seeds for 15 minutes in 5, 10 and 15 mL [L.sup.-1] of the MI did not cause statistical differences between them. There is a similarity expressed in the different moments evaluated and for all the variables under study stimulating the height of the plant, the root length, the number of leaves, the diameter of the stem and the foliar and root mass. Taking into account the results obtained in this research, the effect of dilutions on the growth and development of tomato plants was demonstrated. However, even when the three dilutions reached the highest values, to produce plants in less time and with the necessary quality; the imbibition in 5 and 10 mL [L.sup.-1] constituted an alternative that represents a saving for bioproduct to be used. Key words: efficient microorganisms, biostimulant, seedbed, vegetable