Effect Of Biostimulants Research Articles

Effect of the Biostimulants of Microbiological Origin on the Entomopathogenic and Plant Parasitic Nematodes from Miscanthus × Giganteus Plantations

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of biostimulants derived from Streptomyces avermitilis metabolites on entomopathogenic nematodes: Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, obtained from the soil of several Miscanthus × giganteus plantations in 2020–2023. The nematodes were isolated, identified, and cultured using live insects (the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella). Three preparations containing biostimulants – Charkor, Stimpo, and Regoplant, were tested for compatibility with entomopathogenic and plant parasitic nematodes. Their effect on nematode survival was evaluated using the Petri dish test. The study showed that the effect of biostimulants on the survival of nematodes depended on the concentration of aversectin contained in the evaluated preparations. Stimpo and Regoplant had an adverse effect on plant parasitic nematodes. The highest G. mellonella mortality was observed at the higher dose of Charkor (0.4%), and the lowest at the lower dose of Regoplant (1.22%). The study showed that the virulence of the nematodes decreased after 48 hours of incubation in Regoplant and Stimpo solutions containing aversectin. The degree of interaction between nematodes depended on the nematode species, trophic preferences, and the concentration of active ingredients in the preparations. This conclusion is crucial for the selection of appropriate types of entomopathogenic nematodes and the application rate of plant parasitic nematodes in the assessment of their short- and long-term spread, persistence, and recycling in field conditions.

Effects of foliar biostimulants and two substrates (organic and conventional) on the aerial biomass and the major steviol glycosides (stevioside and rebaudioside A) of two Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni cultivars in a pot experiment in Greece.

Effects of foliar biostimulants and two substrates (organic and conventional) on the aerial biomass and the major steviol glycosides (stevioside and rebaudioside A) of two Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni cultivars in a pot experiment in Greece.

Effect of biostimulants on growth and yield of rice

Effect of biostimulants on growth and yield of rice

The effect of biostimulants on parsnip seed germination and initial growth

Biostimulants are used for seed quality and performance improvement. However, the impact of biostimulants on parsnip seed quality has not been examined. Slow germination of parsnip is often further impeded by stress conditions. This study therefore aimed to assess whether treatments with different biostimulants could enhance seed germination and the initial seedling growth of parsnip. Amino acid and micronutrient-based biostimulants (0.2% solutions (v/v) of Technokel Amino Mix® and Megafol®) improved germination of parsnip seeds under optimal conditions, while biostimulant treatments with humic acid, fulvic acid and micronutrients (0.02% solution (v/v) of Organiko®) enhanced the initial growth. Our findings validate the potential of biostimulant application as a seed treatment. Determination of the main physiological causes of parsnip germination enhancement is needed in further research.

Comparison of the efficiency of synthetic auxins and biostimulants and two types of substrate in rooting of shoot cuttings in ‘Pi-ku 1’ rootstock

The low-cost propagation of semi-dwarf cherry rootstock is an essential issue in the production of maiden trees of this species. Among the promising rootstocks is ‘Pi-ku 1’, obtained in Germany. However, the possibility of its propagation using shoot cuttings has not been investigated. It was the purpose of this study. Two ways of cuttings treatment before placing them in the substrate were assessed. One used two preparations in powder (Rhizopon AA and Ukorzeniacz AB), and the second used two alcoholic auxin solutions (IAA and IBA). Instead of synthetic auxins, foliar spraying with two biostimulants was performed (Goteo and Bispeed). All the applied treatments increased the rooting percentage of ‘Pi-ku 1’ rootstock cuttings compared to the control from 5% for Rhizopon AA to 18.2% for auxin IBA. The exception was the lack of a positive effect of the Bispeed biostimulant (less than 5.2%). The use of synthetic auxins increased the number of utting roots more than three times (IBA) or almost twice (Ukorzeniacz AB) and their length more than twofold (IAA, Rhizopon AA) in proportion to the control. The effect of synthetic auxin treatments on the remaining growth parameters under study was also positive. Foliar treatment of cuttings with biostimulants did not change their growth. Only in one of the two years of the study did the fresh mass of cuttings improve after using Goteo biostimulant (7.5%). As part of the experiment, the effect of two substrate types – peat mixed with perlite and peat with sand – was also tested. During the two years of research, the cuttings were rooted several percent better in peat and sand (2.7% – 2018 and 4.4% – 2019). Using peat with sand as a rooting substrate significantly improved the number and length of roots (11.90 and 125.10) of Pi-ku 1 rootstock cuttings compared to the second one (9.23 and 109.08, respectively). All treatments applied to cuttings, except two biostimulants, increased the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves.

Biochar as a highly efficient adsorption carrier for sewage sludge-derived nutrients and biostimulants: component fixation and mechanism

Production of liquid fertilizers containing nitrogenous nutrients and biostimulants from sewage sludge (SS-NB) has been attracting increasing attention due to its excellent fertilization effect and resource recycling attributes. To better understand the functional effects of nutrients and biostimulants in SS-NB on soil, the adsorption capacity and mechanism of straw biochar (SB) and wood chip biochar (WCB) for alkaline and neutral SS-NB components were investigated. The adsorption of total organic carbon (TOC) from alkaline and neutral SS-NB by WCB was 61.14% and 89.73%, respectively, higher than that by SB, which was 56.25% and 83.36%. Moreover, TOC from neutral SS-NB was more readily adsorbed, especially for fulvic and humic acids. SB had a strong adsorption capacity for calcium ions and nitrogen (TKN, nitrate N, protein, amino acid) and released large amounts of P. In addition, WCB and SB showed a strong affinity for macromolecules (proteins) and reducing substances (lignin and lipids) and excellent fixation ability for phytohormones and allelochemicals. However, WCB adsorbed more types of molecular substances than SB while maintaining a high immobilization rate. Analysis of the adsorption mechanism showed that surface amino groups of the biochar were involved in adsorption, while WCB had additionally high adsorption efficiencies through pore adsorption, hydrogen bonding adsorption and pore size-exclusion effects. The study revealed that biochar can be used as an efficient adsorption carrier for SS-NB to improve soil fertility management.Graphical

The effect of relative humidity and the use of algae-based biostimulants on fruit set, yield and fruit size of arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus) arcticus)

Arctic bramble is a niche berry crop with highly variable yield and fruit quality, often limited by low fruit set and incomplete fruit development. In this study, we investigated the effects of relative humidity (RH) and algae-based biostimulants on fruit set, yield, fruit weight and the number of drupelets per fruit. In Experiment 1, arctic bramble cvs. ‘Alli’ and ‘Mesma’ were grown in a greenhouse in 40, 60 or 80% RH and pollinated by bumblebees. In Experiments 2 and 3, commercial biostimulant products Kelpak, Cremalga, Kriss and Alginamin were tested on cv. ‘Alli’ in a greenhouse, and an open high tunnel. Fruit set and yield were strongly affected by RH, being highest in either 40% RH for cv. ‘Mesma’ or 60% RH for cv. ‘Alli’, reduced by nearly 50% in 80% RH. Kriss and Alginamin increased fruit weight by as much as 18% but there was no effect on total yield. We conclude that control of relative humidity in greenhouse cultivation, especially to avoid very high RH conditions, can be highly beneficial for arctic bramble, and that algae-based biostimulants show potential to improve fruit weight.

Biostimulants Improve Bulb Yield, Concomitantly Affecting the Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Onion (Allium cepa)

In the pursuit of maximizing onion (Allium cepa) yield and quality, farmers often face the challenges of unfavorable ecological conditions and inadequate agronomic practices. Therefore, our two-year study investigated the effects of biostimulants (BTs) of plant growth on bulb yield and the bioactive compounds of directly seeded onion. Four treatments were applied: control (C), seaweed extracts (BT1), humic and fulvic acid (BT2), and Trichoderma spp. (BT3). The results demonstrated a significant increase in bulb yield with BT1 (↑ 18.7%), BT2 (↑ 18.0%), and BT3 (↑ 24.3%). Intriguingly, all BTs markedly reduced phenolic content across both years. Additionally, BT1 and BT3 elevated flavonoid levels (↑ 16.8% and ↑ 16.7%, respectively), while BT2 decreased them (↓ 24.2%). Notably, in 2021, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS tests indicated a significant reduction in antioxidant capacity compared to C. Our study underscores the important role of BTs in enhancing yield, influencing secondary metabolites and contributing to environmental sustainability in onion cultivation.

The Effect of Biostimulants on the Selected Parameters of Seed Germination of Genus Festuca

The Effect of Biostimulants on the Selected Parameters of Seed Germination of Genus Festuca

Effect of Bio-stimulants on Growth, Yield, Quality and Biotic Resistance in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

In 2021, a field experiment was conducted out at ICAR-Krishi Vigyana Kendra in Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka state, India, to investigate the impact of bio-stimulants on the growth, yield, and quality of chillies (Capsicum annuum L.). The company supplied Lakshmi Hybrid Inputs Seeds Pvt. Ltd. with Chilli Hybrid seeds (LHC-1835), that were utilized to produce the seedlings. In the present investigation, the application of amino acid-based biostimulants was carried out employing a randomized complete block design with seven treatments being replicated three times and spaced 90 by 45 cm apart. The results indicated that the maximum plant height (87.80 cm), primary branches (9.13), secondary branches (18.27), root length (27.07 cm), number of fruits per plant (58.33), fruit length (16.82 cm), and fruit diameter (1.31) with less incidence of pests such as white fly, thrips and murda complex were recorded with seedling dip and foliar application of amino acid-based bio-stimulant.

Potencial bioestimulante de Azospirillum brasilense e nicotinamida para cultivo hidropônico de abóbora

ABSTRACT The application of biostimulants in agriculture has been studied to increase production while using smaller physical spaces and agricultural inputs to increase sustainability in production systems. Despite the promising results, there is a need to study the effects of joint applications of these products, identifying possible interactions during crop development. Thus, this study aimed to verify the biostimulant potential of the isolated and combined use of nicotinamide and Azospirillum brasilense during the initial growth of pumpkin plants in hydroponic cultivation. A completely randomized design with six treatments and four replicates was performed. The treatments were composed by the combination of the application of nicotinamide (foliar) and A. brasilense (foliar or applied in the hydroponic solution). Treatments increased the gas exchanges, particularly the assimilation rate and carboxylation efficiency, being superior to the control treatment. However, for growth characteristics, the isolated application of nicotinamide favored the development of the shoot and, when combined with A. brasilense via foliar, increased root growth. Thus, the application of nicotinamide and A. brasilense alone or together enhances the growth and gas exchanges of pumpkin plants grown in a hydroponic system, especially when using foliar application of A. brasilense. Whereby its action can be referred to as a biostimulant effect. Furthermore, the application method affects the efficiency and compatibility of the products applied. Therefore, foliar application is recommended.

Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions

In 2019 and 2020, we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters and soil CO2 evolution under outdoor conditions. Our hypothesis was that HA would increase the microbial activity in the biofertilizers and synergy of both compounds would promote better plant performance and stimulate soil microbial activity. In 2020, the individual and combined application of biofertilizers and HA increased cannabis height, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, aboveground biomass, and bucked biomass by 105, 52, 43, 122, and 117%, respectively. Impacts were greater under suboptimal growing conditions caused by planting delay experienced in 2020. In 2019, planting date occurred in-between the most favorable period and chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were the only parameters influenced by the application of biostimulants. The discrepancies between the two growing seasons reinforce the evidence of other studies that biostimulants efficacy is maximized under stress conditions. This study could not conclusively confirm that the combined use of biofertilizer + HA is a superior practice since affected plant parameters did not differ from application of the compounds singly. Similarly, only one biofertilizer + HA treatment increased soil microbial activity. More research is needed to define optimum rates and combinations of biofertilizer and stimulants for cannabis.

Effect of Biostimulant, Manure Stabilizer, and Manure on Soil Physical Properties and Vegetation Status.

Food production sustainability is one of contemporary agriculture's fundamental challenges. Farmers are currently facing high input prices in crop production and declining organic matter in the soil. For this reason, a field experiment was established to assess the effect of the biostimulant NeOsol (NS), the manure stabilizer Z'fix (ZF), farmyard manure (FM), and their combination in farm practice. In situ measurements provided information on the change in bulk density (BD), unit draft (UD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and cone index (CI). Furthermore, the vegetation status was investigated via vegetation indices, and the yield and quality parameters were assessed. Management of the experimental field resulted in an overall decrease in BD over time for the treated variants compared to the control (CL). The decrease with time was also verified in the case of UD and CI at the depth zone of 10-20 cm. Variants FM (by 8.0%), FM_NS (by 7.3%), and FM_ZF_NS (by 3.8%) proved to have lower UD values than CL. An overall increase in SHC and in yield was observed over time. Concerning SHC, only FM (by 58.5%) proved different from CL. The yield of all the treated variants, i.e., NS (by 8.2%), FM (by 10.8%), FM_NS (by 14.1%), FM_ZF (by 17.8%), and FM_ZF_NS (by 20.1%), surpassed CL. Simultaneously, none of the examined treatments proved to have any adverse effect either on soil or on plant-related variables.

Effects of selected biostimulants on qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of the genus Capsicum spp.

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of biostimulants among farmers, a major problem remains with their variable effects on individual species and varieties of cultivated crops. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose a suitable product for the given growing conditions while simultaneously considering species and varietal variability in crop cultivation. The goal of this study is to highlight different reactions of plants to the applied preparations within the monitored representatives of the Capsicum genus, with an emphasis on intervarietal variability. The experiments with two monitored and one control variants occurred during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2022 in Slovakia’s southwest region, characterized by a European continental climate with warm and dry summers. Seven varieties of Capsicum annuum and two varieties of Capsicum chinense were chosen based on actual growers’ preferences: “Žitava,” “Szegedi 80,” “Karkulka,” “Hodoníska sladká,” “Habanero Orange,” “Habanero Chocolate,” “Kristián,” “Damián” and “Kurtovska kápia.” In the present study, we observed the effects of selected commercial biostimulants – the combination of Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus in the first variant and the biostimulant Humix® Universal in the second variant – on bell pepper fruits. We evaluated three productivity parameters: fresh fruit weight per variety, weight of one fruit and number of bell pepper fruits per plant. From the qualitative parameters, we evaluated the content of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, carotenoids, and the American Spice Trade Association color value. The monitored biostimulants had variable effects in all pepper varieties, while some of them statistically significantly increased and others significantly decreased the monitored parameters. In conclusion, we state that the application of verified biostimulants did not have a uniform effect on the observed varieties of the Capsicum genus. Therefore, based on our results, we cannot generalize the effect of a specific biostimulant on a specific crop genus or species.

Vermicompost Leachate-Based Biostimulant and its Effects on Physiological Variables and Yield of Different Crops in Manabí, Ecuador

Using large volumes of synthetic chemical fertilizers is a general practice in modern agriculture at a high economic and environmental cost. Biostimulants have become an alternative to this routine due to their ability to stimulate plant physiological processes without polluting soil and water. In Ecuador, however, little research has been carried out on the effect of biostimulants on the yield of crops of agricultural interest. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of foliar application of a biostimulant based on bovine manure vermicompost (VCLB) leachates on physiological variables and the yield of corn, cotton, and peanuts under field conditions and chard and five pepper hybrids in semi-protected cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of the province of Manabí, Ecuador. The nine experiments carried out with the species and hybrids included various dilutions of VCLB and controls consisting of fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, depending on the species, and soil without fertilizer. In all species, VCLB-induced plant length, chlorophyll content, and crop yield exhibit equal or higher statistical differences than those achieved under chemical fertilization (NPK). These results demonstrate the potential of this biostimulant as a sustainable alternative to produce these crops, reducing potentially the adverse effects of production on the environment under the tropical conditions of Manabí, Ecuador. We recommend corroborating these results with production-scale research.

Agroindustrial By-Products as a Source of Biostimulants Enhancing Responses to Abiotic Stress of Horticultural Crops.

Together with other abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures, salt stress is one of the most deleterious environmental factors affecting plant development and productivity, causing significant crop yield reductions. The progressive secondary salinisation of irrigated farmland is a problem as old as agriculture but is aggravated and accelerated in the current climate change scenario. Plant biostimulants, developed commercially during the last decade, are now recognised as innovative, sustainable agronomic tools for improving crop growth, yield, plant health and tolerance to abiotic stress factors such as water and soil salinity. Biostimulants are a disparate collection of biological extracts, natural and synthetic organic compounds or mixtures of compounds, inorganic molecules and microorganisms, defined by the positive effects of their application to crops. The growing interest in biostimulants is reflected in the increasing number of scientific reports published on this topic in recent years. However, the processes triggered by the biostimulants and, therefore, their mechanisms of action remain elusive and represent an exciting research field. In this review, we will mainly focus on one specific group of biostimulants, protein hydrolysates, generally produced from agricultural wastes and agroindustrial by-products-contributing, therefore, to more sustainable use of resources and circular economy-and primarily on the consequences of their application on the abiotic stress resistance of horticultural crops. We will summarise data in the scientific literature describing the biostimulants' effects on basic, conserved mechanisms activated in response to elevated salinity and other abiotic stress conditions, such as the control of ion transport and ion homeostasis, the accumulation of osmolytes for osmotic adjustment, or the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems to counteract the induced secondary oxidative stress. The collected information confirms the positive effects of biostimulants on crop tolerance to abiotic stress by enhancing morphological, physiological and biochemical responses, but also highlights that more work is needed to further establish the molecular mechanisms underlying biostimulants' effects.

Effect of weather, nitrogen fertilizer, and biostimulators on the root size and yield components of Hordeum vulgare

Abstract In this study, the effect of nitrogen doses (52, 80, 110, 140 kg/ha N) and the application of biostimulant preparations containing Ascophyllum nodosum L. algae extract were assessed. During the years 2018–2019, the influence of the preparations on the electrical capacity of the roots (C R) and yield components of spring barley was determined. Root electrical capacitance was determined in growth stages 45–50, 55–65, and 70–75 according to the BBCH-scale. The best phases of vegetation growth for the application of biostimulators with Ascophyllum nodosum extract were the barley tillering and elongation phases. This application increased C R while reducing the amount of N required to achieve similar or higher production of barley yield components compared to high N treatments. The root electrical capacitance, the number of productive tillers, and the number of grains per plant were significantly influenced (p > 0.05) by the weather of the year. The number of productive tillers was closely correlated with C R (r = 0.912**) as well as the number of grains per plant (r = 0.859**) and their weight (r = 0.850**). These relationships were the highest at the beginning of the grain formation (BBCH 70–75). Foliar biostimulation was not very effective in the dry year of 2018. The problem may be the foliar application itself. The effect of foliar application is strongly dependent on weather conditions and may be ineffective in many cases. We recommend the foliar application of effective biostimulants in tillering and elongation phases. They can reduce production costs and environmental pollution by reducing the amount of fertilizer needed while maintaining yields.

Effect of saline irrigation and plant-based biostimulant application on fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) growth and phytocannabinoid composition.

Phytocannabinoids represent the hallmark of the secondary metabolism of Cannabis sativa. The content of major phytocannabinoids is closely related to genetic variation as well as abiotic elicitors such as temperature, drought, and saline stress. The present study aims to evaluate hemp response to saline irrigation supplied as NaCl solutions with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 dS m-1 (S1, S2, and S3, respectively) compared to a tap water control (S0). In addition, the potential beneficial effect of a plant-based biostimulant (a legume protein hydrolysate) in mitigating the detrimental effects of saline irrigation on crop growth and phytocannabinoid composition was investigated. Sodium chloride saline irrigation significantly reduced biomass production only with S2 and S3 treatments, in accordance with an induced nutrient imbalance, as evidenced by the mineral profile of leaves. Multivariate analysis revealed that the phytocannabinoid composition, both in inflorescences and leaves, was affected by the salinity level of the irrigation water. Interestingly, higher salinity levels (S2-S3) resulted in the predominance of cannabidiol (CBD), compared to lower salinity ones (S0-S1). Plant growth and nitrogen uptake were significantly increased by the biostimulant application, with significant mitigation of the detrimental effect of saline irrigations.

The Effect of Biostimulants on Biochemical Changes in Pumpkin and Cucumber in the Conditions of the Andijan Region (Uzbekistan)

The Effect of Biostimulants on Biochemical Changes in Pumpkin and Cucumber in the Conditions of the Andijan Region (Uzbekistan)

A novel approach for reducing water stress on sunflower plants by using medicinal plant extracts rather than artificial growth regulators

One of the most significant physiological stressors that negatively impact plants in numerous vital areas of their growth and metabolism is water stress. This study estimates the effects of natural bio-stimulants (Origanum majorana, Nigella sativa and Curcurma longa) extracts for the first time, on water stress of sunflower plant in comparison with synthetic growth regulators (glycein betaine, proline, indole acetic acid, benzyl adenine and ascorbic acid). Water stress appeared to decrease of lengths, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root. Also caused a significant drop in chlorophylls and carotenoids. Foliar application of these synthetic and natural growth regulators significantly decreased the negative effects of drought stress on all studied morphological parameters and pigment contents of sunflower. HPLC analysis of bio-stimulants appeared six phenolic acids, one phenol and two flavonoids were found in all natural extracts. Gallic, rosmarinic, caffeic, syringic acids and kaempferol are the major phenolic compounds (more than 1000 µg/g) detected in Origanum majorana. While gallic acid, hesperetin and ferulic acid are the major phenolic compounds (more than 1000 µg/g) present in Curcurma longa. Chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, catechin, pyro catechol, coffeic acid and rutin are the dominant phenolic compounds present in Nigella sativa. The Nigella sativa treatment showed the highest decrease in proline levels. This may be due to the high concentration of caffeic acid (2406.97 g/g). The Origanum majorana treatment had the highest levels of chl. a and carotenoid contents, which rose by about 32% and 72%, respectively, compared to the stress-treated plant. The highly decrease in catalase activity, which is considered as most important indicator to water stress, appeared in Origanum majorana treatment. We suggest the use of these natural extracts as an alternative way, which appeared a significant increase in growth and biochemical near to synthetic regulators in the treatment of water stress due to the fact that these extracts contain many important phenolic compounds that have a role in the treatment of water stress.