Abstract
Recently, the use of biostimulant substances of different origins has been affirmed. They act differently on the physiological processes of the plant, helping to improve its productive response and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Therefore, the response of the wild rocket to two substances known to have biostimulating activity (Azoxystrobin, and a fluid extract of brown algae and yeast), was evaluated. Two experimental trials (Exp 1 and Exp 2) were carried out in the greenhouse. The collected product, in addition to being evaluated from a qualitative point of view, was used for evaluation of shelf life. Exp 1 involved the comparison of two N levels with two Azoxystrobin levels (treated–Azo+, and untreated control). Exp 2 involved the comparison of two N levels, and two biostimulating substances based on Azoxystrobin (Azo+) and on fluid extracts of yeast and brown algae (YBA+), in addition to untreated control. A split-plot experimental design with three replications was used. Azo+ increased marketable yield of wild rocket by 16.8% and enhanced some qualitative features at harvest as the increase in chlorophyll (+17.8%) and carotenoids (+13.5%), and decrease in nitrates (−10.6%), regardless of the nitrogen level. Furthermore, Azo+ increased the shelf life (+2.5 days) of wild rocket stored at 3.5 °C. In particular, Azo+ slowed the loss of chlorophyll (yellowing) and the worsening of odor and visual appearance. As Azoxystrobin is a fungicide effective for the control of some diseases of wild rocket, its use should be promoted as it would offer not only the benefit of disease control but also improved production and shelf life. YBA+ caused an increase in the chlorophyll content (+12.5%) at harvest of wild rocket, but reduced its antioxidant activity (−40%). YBA+ did not cause substantial variations in shelf life with the exception of a slowdown in the degradation of carotenoids. Further research is desirable to evaluate other variables such as the dose and time of application.
Highlights
IntroductionDC) represents a worldwide species of the Brassicaceae family that is well known for its spicy flavor and has a continuously increasing demand [1,2]
Exp 2 involved the comparison of two N levels (32 and 112 kg ha−1, indicated respectively with NL and NH), and the application of two biostimulating substances (BS) based on Azoxystrobin (Ortiva®, Syngenta) and a biostimulant based on fluid extracts of yeast and brown algae (Bioproject SM23 Foliar-BioKimia® International Srl, Castel San Pietro Terme, Bologna, Italy), indicated respectively Azo+ and YBA+, in addition to untreated control (C)
The effect of preharvest application of N levels and biostimulating substances based on Azoxystrobin or yeast and algae extract was evaluated in two trials carried out in Southern Italy on wild rocket
Summary
DC) represents a worldwide species of the Brassicaceae family that is well known for its spicy flavor and has a continuously increasing demand [1,2]. This is mainly because it represents a basic ingredient of ready-to-eat salads in combination with other leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, lamb’s lettuce and spinach. Often wild rocket is sold unwashed, packaged in trays wrapped in film to keep physical damage of leaves to a minimum and to prevent wilting of leaves from loss of water [6]
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