Comparison of inorganic fertilizer with biostimulants and coenzyme Q10 to enhance radish performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intensive use of inorganic fertilization poses serious environmental problems; use of biostimulants can reduce use of inorganic fertilizers. Three pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects of chemical fertilizers with biostimulants on the performance of red radish (Raphanus sativus L.). In the first experiment, coenzyme Q10® (CoQ10®) was combined with Shoots Core and Nutri-Leaf®, to study the effects on radish. The CoQ10® was applied at 0 (S), 100 (SQ1), 200 (SQ2), or 400 mg ∙ L−1 (SQ4). Radish fresh root weight (52%) and dry root weight (46%) increased with SQ4, followed by an increase in fresh shoot weight (76%) and dry shoot weight (65%) with SQ2 compared to inorganic fertilizer. The second experiment was based on Graeme P. Berlyn (GPB) Core (composition property of Yale University and will become available after registration) application with inorganic fertilizer (Nutri-Leaf®). Treatments were inorganic fertilizer Nutri-leaf (IF), GPB Core+Nutri-leaf (SLI), and GPB Core (SL). There were increases in fresh shoot weight (254%) and dry shoot (185%) with SLI. The third experiment was based on the results of the first two experiments, and treatments were SLI+GPB Core with CoQ10®. Application of CoQ10® with GPB Core was not different than SLI. Fresh and dry shoot weight and dry root weight were also improved. Application of biostimulants can help reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.