Saffron extract stimulates growth, improves the antioxidant components of Solanum lycopersicum L., and has an antifungal effect

Abstract

An open field trial was realized to assess the efficacy of the aqueous extract of the saffron stigmas as a biostimulator for the growth improvement of the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Five concentrations of aqueous saffron extract used as foliar treatment determined: 0.05 g/l, 0.4 g/l, 0.6 g/l, 1 g/l, and 2 g/l, with control, in a completely randomized experimental design with three replicates. Application of saffron extract as a foliar spray resulted in morphological and biochemical stimulation of tomato plants. Plant height was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved by the applied treatments. However, the highest concentration of extract used for treatment (2 g/l) negatively influenced plant height. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, flavanols, condensed tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and °Brix showed significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in response to varying concentrations of the aqueous saffron extract. The level of 0.6 g/l of saffron extract contributed to a significant improvement, and to plant height and antioxidant content of tomato. Moreover, an antifungal effect of the extract against Phytophthora infestans (Pi) was observed. Our results provide a biological alternative to chemical products, for quality improvement and sustainable agricultural bioproduction.