The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology

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Effective microorganisms and their influence on

vegetable production – a review

M. Olle & I. H. Williams

To cite this article: M. Olle & I. H. Williams (2013) Effective microorganisms and their influence
on vegetable production – a review, The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology,
88:4, 380-386, DOI: 10.1080/14620316.2013.11512979

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 Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology (2013) 88 (4) 380–386

Effective microorganisms and their influence on vegetable

production – a review

By M. OLLE1* and I. H. WILLIAMS2

1
Jogeva Plant Breeding Institute, J. Aamisepa 1, Jõgeva Alevik 48309, Estonia
2
Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51014, Estonia
(e-mail: [email protected]) (Accepted 4 February 2013)

SUMMARY
This review aims to describe the nature of effective microorganisms (EM) and how EM influence the growth, yield,
quality, and protection of vegetable plants. EM comprise a mixture of live natural cultures of microorganisms isolated
from fertile soils that are used to improve crop production. EM technology was developed over 40 years ago by Dr.
Tero Higa in Japan. How EM act and interact in the soil-plant environment to suppress plant pathogens and disease,
to conserve energy, to solubilise soil minerals, to aid the balance and ecology of soil microbes, and to improve
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photosynthetic efficiency and biological nitrogen fixation are described. In 70% of published studies, it was concluded
that EM had a positive effect on the growth of vegetables, while, in the other 30%, they had no significant influence.
In this investigation, among 22 reports on the effects of EM on the yields of vegetables, 84% were positive, 4% were
negative, and 12% showed no significant influence. It is concluded that EM can improve the quality and yield of
vegetables by reducing the incidence of pests and diseases, and by protecting against weeds, thereby contributing to
sustainable agriculture.

E ffective microorganisms (EM) consist of a mixture

of live cultures of microorganisms, isolated from
naturally fertile soils, that are useful during crop
simpler mixtures were tested on plants. Finally, a mixture
containing primarily lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic
bacteria and yeasts maintained at pH 3.5, was developed
production (Mohan, 2008). The principal activity of EM in the late 1970’s. The concept was first reported in 1986
appears to be to increase the bio-diversity of soil at an IFOAM conference (Higa, 2012). Considerable
microflora, thereby increasing crop yields. interest then led the developers of EM to promote the
Photosynthetic bacteria, the major components of EM, technology more widely. A beneficial commercial co-
are reported to work synergistically with other operation between Kyusei Nature Farming and EM
microorganisms to support the nutritional requirements Technology soon resulted in positive effects in Japanese
of plants and to reduce the incidence of pathogenic ecosystems (Higa, 2012). The First Conference on Kyusei
microorganisms (Condor et al., 2007). Subadiyasa (1997) Nature Farming was held in Khon Kaen, Thailand in
described EM technology as a technique that supported 1989, with further meetings held at 2-year intervals in
“natural farming”. The rationale behind EM is based on Brazil, the USA, France, Thailand, and South Africa,
the concept of inoculating mixed cultures of beneficial encompassing all five continents, then in Oceania and the
microorganisms into the soil to create an environment Pacific countries. To date, EM have been adopted in over
that is more favourable for the growth and health of 100 countries, not only for experimentation, but also for
plants. EM may interact with the soil-plant ecosystem to commercial production and environmental management
suppress plant pathogens and other agents of disease, to (Higa, 2012).
solubilise minerals, to conserve energy, to maintain the EM consist of mixed cultures of beneficial, naturally-
microbial and ecological balance of the soil, to increase occurring micro-organisms such as photosynthetic
photosynthetic efficiency, and to fix biological nitrogen bacteria (e.g., Rhodopseudomonas palustris,
(Subadiyasa, 1997). Rhodobacter sphaeroides), lactobacilli (e.g.,
This review aims to illustrate the nature of EM and to Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, and Streptococcus
describe how EM can influence the growth, yield, quality, lactis), yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces spp.), and
and protection of major temperate vegetable crops. Actinomycetes (Streptomyces spp.; Javaid, 2010). Condor
et al. (2007) described these microorganisms as follows:
photosynthetic bacteria (phototrophic bacteria) are
GENERAL OVERVIEW independent self-supporting microorganisms. They
The history of EM synthesise amino acids, nucleic acids, bio-active
EM technology was first developed in the 1970’s substances and sugars, using substances from root
(Higa, 2012). Initially, microbes from various ecosystems secretions, organic matter (carbon), sunlight, and
were isolated, then remixed. However, due to a repeated geothermal heat from the soil as sources of energy.
lack of success, some microbes were eliminated and Unlike plants, they use energy from the infrared band of
solar radiation (700 – 1,200 nm) to produce organic
*Author for correspondence. matter, thereby increasing the efficiency of plant growth.
 M. OLLE and I. H. WILLIAMS 381

The metabolites thus produced can be absorbed by pathogens and pests.

plants directly, or act as substrates for other bacteria, • EM enhance the photosynthetic capacity of crops.
thereby increasing the bio-diversity of the soil • EM ensure better germination and plant establishment.
microflora. • EM increase the efficacy of organic matter as a
Adding photosynthetic bacteria to the soil enhances fertiliser.
other EM. For example, levels of vesicular-arbuscular Due to the beneficial effects of EM, crop yields and
mycorrhiza (VAM) in the rhizosphere were increased due quality can be enhanced. EM are not classified as a
to the availability of nitrogenous compounds (amino pesticide, and do not contain chemicals that could be
acids) for use as substrates after secretion by construed as such. EM are microbial inoculants that
photosynthetic bacteria (Condor et al., 2007). VAM function as biological control agents to suppress and/or
increase the solubility of phosphates in soils, thereby control pests through the introduction of beneficial
supplying bio-available phosphorus to plants. VAM can microorganisms into the plant-soil environment. Pests
co-exist with Azotobacter, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, and pathogens are suppressed or controlled by the
and enhance the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes competitive and/or antagonistic activities of those
(Condor et al., 2007). microorganisms present in the EM inoculant (Anon,
Lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid from sugars. 1995).
Lactic acid acts to sterilise soils and suppress harmful
microorganisms, as well as increasing the decomposition The concept of EM
of organic matter (Condor et al., 2007). Lactic acid The mechanisms by which EM are claimed to act and
bacteria enhance the breakdown of organic matter such interact in the soil-plant environment are shown in Table I.
as lignin and cellulose, and ferment these materials more Soil microorganisms can be broadly classified into
rapidly. Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to suppress decomposing or biosynthetic microorganisms.
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the growth of Fusarium ssp., harmful microorganisms Decomposing microorganisms are further sub-divided
that cause diseases during continuous cropping. Under into taxa that perform oxidative and fermentative
suitable conditions, Fusarium spp. cause an increase in decomposition. The fermentative group is further
harmful nematodes. Nematodes gradually disappeared divided into those causing useful fermentation (simply
as lactic acid bacteria suppressed the growth of Fusarium called fermentation) or harmful fermentation
(Condor et al., 2007). (putrefaction). The biosynthetic microorganisms can be
Yeasts synthesise anti-microbial substances that also sub-divided into taxa that have the physiological abilities
promote plant growth from amino acids and sugars to fix atmospheric nitrogen into amino acids, and/or
secreted by photosynthetic bacteria, organic matter, and carbon dioxide into simple organic molecules through
plant roots. Bio-active substances such as photosynthesis. Figure 1 shows a simplified flow chart of
photohormones and enzymes, produced by yeasts, can the transformations of organic matter catalysed by soil
promote active cell and root division. These secretions microorganisms that can lead to the development of
also provide useful substrates for EM such as lactic acid disease-inducing, disease-suppressing, zymogenic, or
bacteria and actinomycetes (Condor et al., 2007). synthetic soils (Higa and Parr, 1994).
Actinomycetes, with a structure intermediate between Research has shown that EM must be applied together
bacteria and fungi, produce anti-microbial substances with organic matter. They can be applied as a liquid, or
from the amino acids secreted by photosynthetic mixed with nutrient-rich organic matter as a fermented
bacteria and from soil organic matter. These substances compost (called ‘Bokashi’ in Japanese). The benefit of
can suppress harmful fungi and bacteria. Actinomycetes applying EM plus organic matter lies in the ability of the
can co-exist with photosynthetic bacteria. Thus, both can EM to ferment organic matter, thereby releasing nutrients
act synergistically to enhance the quality of the soil and nutrient-rich organic acids which can be used by
environment by increasing the anti-microbial activity of plants. Derivatives of EM in which leaf material, especially
the soil (Condor et al., 2007). leaves from spice or medicinal plants, are fermented by
The following beneficial influences of EM have been the microbial solution are claimed to offer additional
described (Anon, 1995): prophylactic benefits to plants (Higa, 2012). EM can also
• EM promote germination, flowering, fruiting, and be applied directly onto crop plants. Research has shown
ripening in plants. that this can enhance physiological parameters such as
• EM improve the physical, chemical, and biological photosynthesis, which results in higher crop yields, a key
environments of the soil and suppress soil-borne factor in organic farming (Higa, 2012).

TABLE I
Functions of beneficial and harmful soil microorganisms that affect soil quality, crop production, and plant health (Higa and Parr, 1994)
Beneficial effects Harmful effects
Decomposition of organic wastes and residues Induction of plant diseases
Recycling and increased availability of plant nutrients Stimulation of soil-borne pathogens
Production of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds Immobilisation of plant nutrients
Complexing heavy metals to limit plant uptake Inhibition of seed germination
Production of polysaccharides to improve soil aggregation Inhibition of plant growth and development
Fixing of atmospheric nitrogen Production of phytotoxic substances
Suppression of soil-borne pathogens
Degradation of toxic compounds including pesticides
Production of simple organic molecules for plant uptake
Solubilisation of insoluble sources of mineral nutrients
 382 Effective microorganisms in vegetable production

Oxidative decomposition Fermentative decomposition

(aerobic respiration) (anaerobic respiration)
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Disease-suppresive soils Zymogenic and synthetic soils

FIG. 1
Transformations of soil organic matter by soil microorganisms leading to the development of disease-inducing, disease-suppressive,
zymogenic (fermenting), or synthetic soils (from Higa and Parr, 1994).

EM in crop production: produce bio-active compounds such as vitamins,

The original uses of EM were in agriculture hormones, and enzymes that stimulate plant growth.
(Sangakkara, 2012a). EM were first applied to enhance the Research has also shown that inoculation of soil/plant
productivity of organic or natural farming systems. EM ecosystems with cultures of EM can improve soil quality
were applied directly into the organic matter being added and soil health. Improved soil quality is usually
to fields, or into composts, which reduced the time required characterised by increased infiltration, aeration,
for the preparation of this bio-fertiliser. EM were also aggregation, and organic matter content and by decreased
added in the form of ‘Bokashi’ (a compost made with waste bulk density, compaction, erosion, and crusting (Higa and
material such as rice husks and sawdust as a carrier) or Parr, 1994).
mixed with nitrogen-rich materials such as rice, corn, wheat There are no reports on reliable tests for monitoring the
bran, fish meal, or oil cakes. The benefits of EM have been establishment of mixed cultures of beneficial
attributed to many factors. These include a greater release microorganisms after the application of EM to soils. The
of nutrients from organic matter when composted with EM, desired effects appear only after the EM become
and/or enhanced photosynthesis and protein synthetic established, become dominant, and remain stable and
activity. Studies have also identified greater soil and plant active in the soil. In some soils, a single inoculation of EM
resistance to water stress, higher rates of mineralisation of may be sufficient to produce the desired results, while in
carbon, improved soil properties, and better penetration of other soils, even repeated applications of EM appear to be
plants roots following the application of EM (Sangakkara, ineffective. Repeated applications, especially during the
2012a). The impact of EM in promoting plant growth by first cropping season, can facilitate earlier establishment
controlling or suppressing pests and diseases has also been of the introduced EM (Higa and Parr, 1994).
reported in many countries (Sangakkara, 2012a).
For many years, soil microbiologists and microbial Application of EM:
ecologists have differentiated between beneficial or According to Ncube (2008), EM are effective during
harmful soil microorganisms according to their function, crop production and are environmentally safe, with
and how they affect soil quality, plant growth and yield, different commercial brands or formulations of EM using
and plant health. As shown in Table I (Higa and Parr, local microbial isolates being produced in approx. 40
1994), beneficial micro-organisms are those that can fix countries, worldwide. EM are used in different areas,
atmospheric nitrogen, decompose organic wastes and ranging from agricultural and horticultural cropping,
residues, detoxify pesticides, suppress plant diseases and environmental management, animal production, and
soil-borne pathogens, enhance nutrient cycling, and aquaculture (Ncube, 2008). Different formulations of EM
 M. OLLE and I. H. WILLIAMS 383

have been applied in these areas in different ways, as TABLE II

Applications of EM
discussed in the following sub-sections.
1. Inoculation of EM into the soil: Different preparations Amount of
Naturally Active EM‡
of EM can be applied either as a soil drench or spread to be applied to the
directly onto plants during crop production. When Soil conditions soil (l ha–1)
inoculating into the soil, a 1:500 dilution of EM Humus content > 5%; pH 7.0; annual application 40
multiplied in water, or EM in FKG (fermented kitchen Humus content approx. 3%; pH approx. 6.0
First year 80
garbage) is used. When using EM in FFW (fermented Second year 60
fish waste), or EM in FCM (fermented chicken Third year 40
Humus content < 1%; pH < 5.0 100¶
manure), a 1:300 dilution is advisable. Up to 2.5 metric ‡
tonnes (MT) ha–1 of ‘Bokashi’ is usually applied to soils. Naturally Active-EM is provided by Agri Partners OÜ, Tartu, Estonia.
¶
Use simultaneous organic fertilisation and/or green fertilisation.
Dosages > 2.5 MT ha–1 are detrimental to plants due to Maintain the dose until improvement is observed, then gradually
high levels of organic acids which can damage their decrease.
roots. ‘Bokashi’ is usually applied to the soil 10 – 14 d
before planting and is placed 10 – 15 cm away from the
roots (Ncube, 2008)
2. Spraying EM on leaves: Spraying EM on the leaves of by a further 20 l ha-1. It is best to conduct such
plants can serve as a prophylactic treatment for disease treatments when the soil temperature exceeds 6ºC
and insect control. Spraying often starts early in the (usually in late-March or early-April), and to mix the
growing season and is continued until harvest. Dilutions EM preparation into the soil by harrowing (Table II).
of 1:1000 of EM multiplied in water, or EM-5 (Agri Among the preparations EM tested, a mixture of
Partners OÜ, Tartu, Estonia), or a mixture of different activated EM and EM-5 was shown to be most effective
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EM formulations are advised, although 1:500 or 1:2,000 at accelerating the decomposition of organic matter and
dilutions can also be used (Ncube, 2008). mineralisation in the soil (Zydlik and Zydlik, 2008).
3. Soaking seeds in EM: Before planting, seeds can be
soaked in a 0.1% (w/v) suspension of EM in water.
Small seeds are soaked for approx. 30 min, and larger GROWTH FACTORS
seeds for 4 – 6 h. After soaking, the seeds are dried in Data from a randomised experiment showed
the shade to reduce the chance of them sticking statistically significant differences to indicate that EM-
together (Ncube, 2008), then sown in the field. Naturally Active (Agri Partners) increased seed
4. EM irrigation (fertigation): EM or various EM germination and vigour in carrot, cucumber, pea, beet,
formulations multiplied in water are frequently applied and tomato (Siqueira et al., 2012). Seed germination and
to the soil via the irrigation water. Dilutions of EM the growth of cowpea plants were promoted by this EM
multiplied in water from 1:1,000 to 1:5,000 or EM in formulation at a dilution of 1:500, compared to plants
fermented plant extract (FPE) are used (Ncube, 2008). fertilised with a slurry of cattle manure (Sangakkara and
5. Insect control: EM can also be used as a bio-control Weerasekera, 2012).
agent to suppress and control insect pests through the The application of EM appeared to promote early
introduction of beneficial microorganisms into the fruiting and root growth in tomato (Ncube et al., 2011),
planting environment. The odours emitted by EM may but not leaf or shoot development in Chinese cabbage
repel harmful insects and/or serve as a prophylactic (In-Ho and Ji-Hwan, 2012). A combined application of
spray. EM in FPE or EM-5 have been used as insect inorganic phosphate fertiliser (P2O5) at 0, 75, or 150 kg
repellents, and are not toxic to ladybirds, spiders, ha–1 and EM-Naturally Active at 50 l ha–1 enhanced
dragonflies, or frogs (Ncube, 2008). EM attracts fruit vegetative and reproductive growth in cabbage (Zahoor
flies and affects mostly the females which later become et al., 2003). Chantal et al. (2010) showed increased leaf
sterile (Ncube, 2008). Pests and pathogens are areas and improved photosynthesis in cabbage treated
suppressed or controlled through natural processes by with a 1:1,000 dilution of EM.
increasing the competitive and antagonistic activities of Sangakkara (2012) stated that EM had no significant
the microorganisms present in EM inoculants (Ncube, effect on the growth of bush bean in chemically-fertilised
2008). plots. In contrast, the growth of bush bean was enhanced
by EM when grown in the presence of organic
The amounts of EM to be applied to vegetable crops amendments, especially those with low C:N ratios.
Depending on the amount of waste to be converted Although there was no significant difference in plant
into humus, the dose of EM-Naturally Active (Agri height, treatment with ‘Bokashi’ resulted in stems with
Partners) required ranges from 20 – 40 l ha–1 or 1 – 3 l the highest diameter, followed by use of a chemical
ha–1 of EM-5, depending on the severity of any fungal fertiliser (Nakano, 2007).
diseases. EM preparations are mixed into the soil by On the other hand, Puranapong and Siphuang (2001)
ploughing. The minimum Spring spray dose of EM- studied the use of mixtures of EM with chicken, quail, pig,
Naturally Active is 20 l ha–1, or 1 l ha–1 of EM-5. If an or cow manure on the growth of yard-long bean and
Autumn treatment had not been performed, these doses snake eggplant, but found no significant difference in any
should be at 40 l ha–1 or 3 l ha-1 of EM-5. The purposes plant growth parameter.
of these doses are to antagonise soil pathogens and to A search of ten published papers revealed that the
inoculate the soil with EM. If the soil contains high application of EM had a positive effect on the growth of
levels of non-decomposed organic matter, the dose of vegetables in 70% of cases, while in 30% of cases it did
EM-Naturally Active (Agri Partners) may be increased not make any significant difference.
 384 Effective microorganisms in vegetable production

VEGETABLE AND CROP YIELDS concluded that, when EM was applied as a foliar spray at
Applying EM plus molasses increased onion yields by an appropriate concentration and frequency, crop yields
29% (on average), and the proportion of the highest grade were increased significantly. Radish yields of 70.5% over
of onions by 76%. EM also increased pea yields by 31% untreated controls were recorded in test plots sprayed
(Daly and Stewart, 1999). Javaid (2006) showed that foliar with EM (a 1:500 dilution) at 15-d intervals. Foliar spray
applications of EM, combined with proper soil applications of EM (at 1:500) at 15-d intervals resulted in
amendments, improved nodulation and yields in pea. The 91.6% higher cabbage yields over non-treated controls.
application of EM plus an NPK amendment enhanced Cabbage yields in plots sprayed with a 1:1,000 dilution of
grain yields significantly (by 48%) without B. japonicum EM at 45-d intervals were the lowest, among the EM
inoculation (Javaid, 2009). Javaid (2006) also showed that sprayed plots, but were still 9.5% higher than in the
foliar applications of EM enhanced nodulation in pea, controls. This indicates that EM have a positive impact on
using an NPK amendment, causing a 217% increase in the growth and yields of vegetables (radish and cabbage).
nodule numbers and a 167% increase in nodule biomass. Results from cabbage studies showed that plots treated
Similarly, Javaid (2006) reported an increase in pea grain with EM (‘Bokashi’) gave significantly higher yields than
yield of 126% following an NPK amendment, and of NPK plus chicken manure (Escano, 1996). Seed pod, plant
145% following a green manure amendment after foliar biomass, and microbial density showed maximum
application of EM. Sangakkara (2012) stated that bush responses to ‘Bokashi’ (Nakano, 2007). Maximum
bean yields and nodulation were enhanced by EM in the cabbage seed yields were recorded following the
presence of organic amendments, especially those with application of 150 kg P2O5 ha–1 combined with EM
low C:N ratios. (Zahoor et al., 2003).
Mohan (2008) evaluated the traditional Ayurvedic Kim et al. (2012) showed that treatments with EM and
growth-promoters, Panchagavya and Amrit Pani, by EM-fermented compost in a greenhouse increased the
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comparing them with ‘Bokashi’ made using EM yields of spinach and costmary by 10.4 – 24.8% and by 19.4
technology. The results indicated higher yields and lower – 32.9%, respectively. Similarly, Autumn yields of Chinese
glycoalkaloid contents in ‘Bokashi’-treated tomatoes, cabbage and radish were increased by 23.5 – 57.9% and
followed by Panchagavya. EM inoculation in chicken 38.8 – 47.2%, respectively, in the field.
manure increased photosynthesis and fruit yields in In contrast, applications of “microbial tea” (a form of
tomato plants (Xu et al., 2001). In tomato, data from early EM; Knewtson et al., 2009) did not affect collard or
field trials showed that ‘Bokashi’ or EM-Naturally Active, spinach yields, and did not support the hypothesis that EM
used singly or in combination, or in combination with improves the uptake of plant nutrients. Moreover, soil
inorganic fertiliser, significantly increased mean fruit microbe respiration and biomass were unaffected after
weights over the untreated controls and increased total two or three of these applications of “microbial tea”
marketable yields harvested over the cropping season (Knewtson et al., 2009). In tomato, applications of EM
(Escano, 1996). EM applied with a green manure (e.g., alone, or in combination with other amendments,
Gliricidia leaves) also significantly increased tomato depressed yields, possibly because of an outbreak of early
yields throughout this study. In year-3, tomato yields due and late blights, which affected the EM-treated pots first
to EM were comparable to those obtained with a chemical (Ncube et al., 2011). In lettuce, treatment with ‘Bokashi’ or
fertiliser (Marambe and Sangakkara, 1996). Zaenudin EM-Naturally Active did not show significant differences
(1993) concluded that EM were needed in Indonesia in terms of the numbers or weights of heads (Escano,
because EM increased tomato production. The lower 1996).
numbers of tomato fruit per plant following application of In summary, our findings indicate that in 22 reports, the
EM in a greenhouse resulted in a higher average fruit application of EM affected vegetable yields 84%
weight possibly due to more assimilates being partitioned positively and 4% negatively, while 12% had no significant
to fewer fruit (Ncube and Calistus, 2012). influence.
Foliar applications of EM in FPE, or EM-5 had a
positive effect on the yields of organically grown
cucumber (Condor et al., 2007; Table III). CROP QUALITY
Chantal et al. (2010) found that EM increased cabbage Inoculation with EM increased ascorbic acid (vitamin
yields by improving photosynthesis. Yadav (2012) C) concentrations in tomato fruit in ‘Bokashi’ and in
chicken manure treatments (Xu et al., 2001).
Untreated (control) chard plants had higher water
contents than plants treated with EM or ‘Bokashi’ plus
TABLE III
Effect of applications of EM on organic cucumber yield and pickle
EM, or “Greengold” (Daiss et al., 2008). In contrast, chard
worm infection‡ plants treated with ‘Bokashi’ had lower ascorbic acid
Infected Non-infected contents than control plants (Daiss et al., 2008). Chard
¶
Yield Fresh fruit fruit yield plants treated with ‘Bokashi’ plus EM had higher
Treatment (g m–2) weight (g) yield (%) (g m–2)
phosphorus and magnesium contents than control plants
Water only (Control) 3.29 a 222.3 a 80.0 a 629.0 a (Daiss et al. 2008). The application of EM to plants
EM in FPE 4.41 b 235.6 b 36.0 b 2,800.0 b
EM in FPE+EM-5 4.81 b 232.8 b 9.0 c 4,415.0 c resulted in higher levels of calcium compared to non-
¶
Three foliar treatments (with four replications) were applied in the treated plants (Daiss et al., 2008).
same volume every 4 d. Treatments were control (no application), EM EM significantly enhanced the NPK nutrition of mung
in fermented plant extract (FPE) (dilution 1:500); or EM in FPE bean plants following farmyard manure amendment, both
(dilution 1:500) with EM-5 (dilution 1:500).
‡
Data are from Condor et al. (2007). Mean values in each column at the flowering stage and at maturity. However, in NPK-
followed by a different lower-case letter were statistically different. amended soil, the application of EM enhanced NPK
 M. OLLE and I. H. WILLIAMS 385

nutrition markedly only at a later growth stage (Javaid was lower on plants treated with EM and ‘Bokashi’
and Bajwa, 2011). (Escano, 1996).
Xu et al. (2012) suggested that the improved nitrogen
metabolism in ‘Bokashi’-fertilised tomato plants
PLANT PROTECTION accounted for their higher resistance to Phytophthora.
Escano (1996) reported that ‘Bokashi’ alone, or in Zaenudin (1993) concluded that EM were needed for
combination with EM, reduced the incidence of soft rot pest management in tomato cultivation in Indonesia.
disease in lettuce compared with usual commercial Marambe and Sangakkara (1996) found that organic
practice (i.e., applying 240-60-60 NPK plus chicken amendments alone suppressed weed growth during
manure). tomato production, and variations between years were
Studies on applying EM to achieve more sustainable not significant. However EM applied with organic
agriculture showed that these microorganisms act in a amendments enhanced weed growth in year-1, which
holistic manner, changing the chemical and physical then declined significantly in later years.
properties of the soil, mainly the aggregation of particles Foliar applications of EM in FPE, or EM-5 reduced
that causes rapid drying of the surface layer. Drying the pickle-worm infection in organically grown cucumber
superficial soil layer delayed fungal sporulation, increased (Condor et al., 2007; Table III). EM in FPE also proved
the abortion of apothecia, and suppressed Sclerotinia in best to control insects (Condor et al., 2007). In contrast,
lettuce by increasing the competition for nutrients, Thaveechai et al. (1996) found that EM or SUTOJU (a
enhancing antibiosis, and reducing the sclerotia bank in non-specified pesticidal formulation) were not effective
the soil (Tokeshi et al., 2010). against bacterial, fungal, or viral diseases in tomato.
Controlling pathogens such as Sclerotium rolfsii, A farm preparation of the herb, Zanthoxylum,
Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp. and fermented with an EM inoculant, effectively controlled
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Rhizoctonia solani that cause stem and root rot in lettuce aphids on Brassica, while ginkgo and neem extracts
in disease-suppressive soils may be due to changes in soil effectively controlled whitefly on tomato (Xu et al., 2008).
properties and the soil environment that enhance Thus, vegetables can be protected by the use of EM to
aeration and drying. This, in turn, probably increases the reduce the incidence of disease and pests, and to protect
activity of competitive saprophytic microorganisms against weeds.
which are better adapted to a drier superficial soil layer,
despite wide variations in soil water content. However, This study received financial support from the
this hypothesis requires further study to confirm its Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board,
validity (Tokeshi et al., 2010). with assistance from Jaagumäe Agro LLC and the
Similarly, the incidence of soft rot disease on cabbage Jogeva Plant Breeding Institute.

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