Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 298-306 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 302 rhizosphere microbial diversity and improve the yield and quality of kiwifruit (Liu et al., 2020). Moreover, the combination of organic amendments with chemical fertilizers can enhance the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, thereby promoting plant growth (Shen et al., 2016). Pre-harvest treatments with substances like oxalic acid and methyl jasmonate have also been found to increase disease resistance and improve the quality of kiwifruit during postharvest storage (Zhu et al., 2016; Pan et al., 2020). 5.3 Integration with crop management practices Integrating beneficial microorganisms with existing crop management practices can optimize their benefits in kiwifruit cultivation. For example, the use of rain-shelter cultivation systems has been shown to reduce disease incidence in kiwifruit by altering the microbial community structure on the fruit surface (Sui et al., 2021; Duan et al., 2022). Additionally, the application of sulfur in combination with organic fertilizers has been found to enhance resistance against bacterial canker by modifying the microbial community in the rhizosphere and increasing the diversity of beneficial bacteria (Gu et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2022). These integrated approaches can lead to more sustainable and resilient kiwifruit production systems. By employing these inoculation techniques, formulation and delivery methods, and integrating them with crop management practices, kiwifruit growers can harness the full potential of beneficial microorganisms to enhance plant growth, improve yield and quality, and increase disease resistance. 6 Case Studies 6.1 Successful use of beneficial bacteria The application of beneficial bacteria has shown significant positive impacts on kiwifruit growth and disease resistance. For instance, a study demonstrated that the use of nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and potassium-solubilizing bacteria significantly improved the growth and development of kiwifruit plants. The experimental group treated with these beneficial microorganisms exhibited better growth, higher nutrient absorption, and enhanced disease resistance compared to the control group (Li et al., 2017). Another study highlighted the effectiveness of a complex inoculant containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus circulans (Figure 2) (Shao et al., 2023). This inoculant improved soil fertility by increasing the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, leading to greater plant biomass and nutrient accumulation (Shen et al., 2016). 6.2 Effective fungal applications Fungal applications have also been effective in enhancing kiwifruit growth and resistance to diseases. Long-term organic fertilization, which includes the use of composts, has been shown to increase the diversity and abundance of beneficial fungi in the rhizosphere. This practice not only improved soil health but also reduced the presence of pathogenic fungi, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and quality of kiwifruit (Liu et al., 2020). Additionally, the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, in combination with melatonin, significantly improved drought tolerance in kiwifruit seedlings. This combined treatment increased mycorrhizal colonization, nutrient uptake, and overall plant growth under drought conditions (Xia et al., 2022). 6.3 Combined microbial treatments Combining different microbial treatments has proven to be a highly effective strategy for improving kiwifruit cultivation. For example, the use of sulfur in combination with organic fertilizers has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of kiwifruit bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. This treatment increased the diversity of soil microbial communities and promoted the growth of specific beneficial bacteria, thereby enhancing the plant's resistance to the disease (Yang et al., 2022). Another study demonstrated that the pre-harvest application of oxalic acid increased the quality and disease resistance of kiwifruit during postharvest storage. This treatment led to higher ascorbic acid content, slower degradation of fruit firmness, and reduced disease incidence caused by Penicillium expansum (Zhu et al., 2016; Dai et al., 2021).
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