Dual Function Organomineral Formulations: Fertilization and Carrier for Trichoderma harzianum in Banana Plants

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study reports the development and performance evaluation of a bioactive organomineral fertilizer enriched with Trichoderma harzianum to stimulate early growth of banana plants ( Musa spp.) under controlled greenhouse conditions. The fertilizer pellets were formulated using agroindustrial residues and sterilized reactive rock phosphate as the carrier matrix into which viable propagules of T. harzianum were incorporated. Microbial viability remained above 1 × 10 5 CFU g –1 after pelletization and drying, confirming process compatibility with biological stability. Greenhouse assays with micropropagated banana cv. Grande Naine demonstrated a pronounced synergistic interaction between the bioagent and the organomineral matrix. The integration of T. harzianum with the complete (100%) organomineral dose increased plant height by 18% and total fresh biomass by 39% compared with the same fertilization rate without the fungus, an effect equivalent to more than double the fertilizer application rate. In contrast, such synergy was absent with conventional mineral fertilizers, whose high solubility hindered microbial activity. Increasing the organomineral dose yielded linear growth responses, indicating a gradual nutrient release pattern. These findings highlight the potential of this bioactive organomineral formulation as a sustainable fertilizer technology that couples organic residue valorization, mineral nutrient recycling, and microbial bio stimulation to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.