Fermentation of Oak Tree Sawdust affects Peanut Sprout Growth and Fungal Microbiomes

This study demonstrated that the fermentation of oak tree sawdust increases peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed germination, sprout biomass, and the total vigor index (TVI). The seed germination rate (0, 3.9, 30.8, and 65.4%) varied significantly among the different fermentation treatments (0, 30, 45, and 60 days, respectively). Seedlings grown in the sawdust with the 60-day fermentation period showed the highest weight (2.8 g) with the longest epicotyl with true leaves (2.5 cm), hypocotyls (2.4 cm), and roots (6.6 cm), consequently having the highest TVI (629.23). Seedlings grown for 0 and 30 days in fermented sawdust had the lowest TVIs (32.7 and 0, respectively). In a microbiome analysis, the fungal community varied among the different fermentation treatments, suggesting that the fungal community affects the seed germination physiology.