Influence of vermicompost tea on secondary metabolite production in tomato crop

The negative effects of synthetic agrochemicals have created strong incentives for the search organic-based substitutes. One current alternative to use fertilizers is vermicompost tea. In this study we investigate how tea enhances pest resistance in crop plants. Four-hundred and thirty tomato plants were treated weekly with mixtures ranging from 1:20 (5%), 1:10 (10%) 1:5 (20%) water (v/v). Physical data such as height, biomass, yield recorded. Additionally, leaf tissue samples collected analyzed via GC/MS analysis monitor secondary metabolite production changes across treatment groups. Results indicated that addition improved growth parameters evaluated. Vermicompost also influenced production. High concentration altered accumulation terpenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, alkanes. Improved physical structures increased concentrations monoterpenes, diterpenes hydrocarbons epicuticular waxes could explain enhanced previously observed.