Biostimulation Research Articles

Investigation of the reproducibility of the treatment efficacy of a commercial bio stimulant using metabolic profiling on flax

Introduction and objectivesSince the use of a bio stimulant should provide a response to a problem that depends on the production system implemented (crops, plant model, soil, climate, the farmer’s practices…), the agricultural sector is facing concomitant challenges of choosing the best bio stimulant that suits their needs. Thus, understanding bio stimulant-plant interactions, at molecular level, using metabolomics approaches is a prerequisite, for the development of a bio stimulant, leading to an effective exploration and application of formulations in agriculture. AGRO-K®, is commercialized as a plant-based bio stimulant that improve vigor and enhance resistance to lodging in cereal crops. A recent previous untargeted metabolomics study has demonstrated the ability of this bio stimulant to improve wheat resistance to lodging, in real open-field conditions. However, the reproducibility of the impact of this bio stimulant in other filed crops is not yet investigated.MethodsTherefore, the present study aimed to assess the changes in primary and secondary metabolites in the roots, stems, and leaves of fiber flax (Linum usitatissimum L), treated with the bio stimulant, using NMR and LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach.Results and conclusionsIn addition to the previous result conducted in wheat, the present analysis seemed to show that this bio stimulant led to a similar pathway enhancement in flax. The pathways which seem to be reproducibly impacted are hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs), phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Impacting these pathways enhance root growth and elongation and cell wall lignification, which can aid in preventing crop lodging. These results confirm that HCAAs, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids could serve as signatory biomarkers of the impact of AGRO-K® on improving lodging resistance across various plant species.

Enhancement of the Production of Tropane Alkaloids in the Hyoscyamus Niger L. Callus Using Different Biotic Elicitors

This study looked at the amount of tropane alkaloids in both the leaves of the mother plant and the callus cultures of Hyoscyamus niger L. It also looked at how biotic elicitation affects the growth of callus cultures and increases the production of alkaloids. The investigation identified and quantified three primary tropane alkaloids (Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, and Atropine) from both sources. Remarkably, the callus cultures exhibited obviously higher levels of alkaloids in comparison to the leaves of the mother plant, implying their potential as a valuable reservoir for alkaloid production. Concerning the effects of biotic elicitation, the study showed that the application of chitosan (CHT), yeast extract (YE), and fungal extract of Trichoderma asperellum yielded a substantial decrease in callus weight when contrasted with the control group. This decrease became more pronounced with escalating concentrations of the elicitors. In terms of alkaloid synthesis, a clear correlation between the concentration of bio stimulants and tropane alkaloid levels was established. Particularly, CHT elicitation displayed the most pronounced enhancement in levels of tropane alkaloids among the three elicitors. Notably, the highest CHT concentration of 40 mg/L yielded the most elevated levels of alkaloids, measuring at 25.3 µg/g for Hyoscyamine, 31.2 µg/g for Scopolamine, and 21.5 µg/g for Atropine. This represents approximate percentage increases in concentration of 208%, 183%, and 198%, respectively, when compared to the control treatment. Generally, these findings carry significant implications for advancing tropane alkaloid biosynthesis, with potential applications spanning the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Integrated Valorization of Fucus spiralis Alga: Polysaccharides and Bioactives for Edible Films and Residues as Biostimulants.

Fucus spp. seaweeds thrive in the cold temperate waters of the northern hemisphere, specifically in the littoral and sublittoral regions along rocky shorelines. Moreover, they are known to be a rich source of bioactive compounds. This study explored the valorization of Fucus spiralis through the extraction of bioactives and polysaccharides (PSs) for food applications and biostimulant use. The bioactives were extracted using microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG), where the condition of 300 W for 20 min resulted in the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extract. Cellular assays confirmed that the extract, at 0.5 mg/mL, was non-cytotoxic to HaCat cells. Polysaccharides (PSs) were extracted from the remaining biomass. The residue from this second extraction contained 1.5% protein and 13.35% carbohydrates. Additionally, the free amino acids and minerals profiles of both solid residues were determined. An edible film was formulated using alginate (2%), PS-rich Fucus spiralis extract (0.5%), and F. spiralis bioactive-rich extract (0.25%). The film demonstrated significant antioxidant properties, with ABTS and DPPH values of 221.460 ± 10.389 and 186.889 ± 36.062 µM TE/mg film, respectively. It also exhibited notable physical characteristics, including high water vapor permeability (11.15 ± 1.55 g.mm.m-2.day-1.kPa-1) and 100% water solubility. The residues from both extractions of Fucus spiralis exhibited biostimulant (BS) effects on seed germination and seedling growth. BSs with PSs enhanced pea germination by 48%, while BSs without PSs increased the root dry weight of rice and tomato by 53% and up to 176%, respectively, as well as the shoot dry weight by up to 38% and up to 74%, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of Fucus spiralis within the framework of a circular economy, wherein both extracted bioactives and post-extraction by-products can be used for sustainable agriculture and food applications.

Effects of Bio Stimulants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato

Effects of Bio Stimulants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato

THE POTENTIAL OF TEQUIL, A PLANT EXTRACT BASED ON QUILLAJA SAPONARIA, IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

More attention is being given to researches of eco-sustainable solutions to be implemented in agriculture, particularly in the presence of plant parasitic nematodes, whose damages have significant global importance. Unsustainable practices, such as fumigation and monoculture, have led to depletion of biodiversity, allowing harmful trophic groups (bacteria, fungi, and nematodes) to prevail, and their negative synergistic action further exacerbating yield losses. Considering the notable and progressive restriction of usable molecules, nematode control strategies must necessarily consider the appropriate integration of methods. The main objective of control is to limit pathogen populations below the damage threshold, rather than aiming at their eradication as mistakenly pursued in the past. This goal can be achieved with the help of solutions that promote plant development through biostimulation of root systems, which are often affected by various organisms in the biosphere. Tequil, through its well-documented synergy of saponins, tannins, and polyphenols, produces invigorating, biostimulating, and strengthening effects on the root system. Indeed, in vitro tests and field trials have highlighted Tequil’s appreciable activity in containing trophic groups, particularly root-knot nematodes of the Meloidogyne genus. Therefore, its use could indirectly contribute to nematode control and limit yield losses. Key Words: Quillaja saponaria, nematodes, bio stimulation, biocontrol, abiotic stresses resistance.

Humic acid and grafting as sustainable agronomic practices for increased growth and secondary metabolism in cucumber subjected to salt stress

Salinity stress poses a significant treat to crop yields and product quality worldwide. Application of a humic acid bio stimulant and grafting onto tolerant rootstocks can both be considered sustainable agronomic practices that can effectively ameliorate the negative effects of salinity stress. This study aimed to assess the above mentioned ameliorative effects of both practices on cucumber plants subjected to saline environments. To attain this goal a factorial experiment was carried out in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications. The three factors considered were (a) three different salinity levels (0, 5, and 10 dS m−1 of NaCl), (b) foliar application of humic acid at three levels (0, 100, and 200 mg L−1), and (c) both grafted and ungrafted plants. Vegetative traits including plant height, fresh and dry weight and number of leaf exhibited a significant decrease under increasing salinity stress. However, the application of humic acid at both levels mitigated these effects compared to control plants. The reduction in relative water content (RWC) of the leaf caused by salinity, was compensated by the application of humic acid and grafting. Thus, the highest RWC (86.65%) was observed in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. Electrolyte leakage (EL) increased under salinity stress, but the application of humic acid and grafting improved this trait and the lowest amount of EL (26.95%) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. The highest amount of catalase (0.53 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) and peroxidase (12.290 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) enzymes were observed in the treatment of 10 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 humic acid. The highest amount of total phenol (1.99 mg g−1 FW), total flavonoid (0.486 mg g−1 FW), total soluble carbohydrate (30.80 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein (34.56 mg g−1 FW), proline (3.86 µg g−1 FW) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 of humic acid. Phenolic acids and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased with increasing salinity and humic acid levels. Contrary to humic acid, salt stress increased the sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl−) and decreased the amount of potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) in the root and leaf of ungrafted cucumber. However, the application 200 mg L−1 humic acid appeared to mitigate these effects, thereby suggesting a potential role in moderating physiological processes and improving growth of cucumber plants subjected to salinity stress. According to the obtained results, spraying of humic acid (200 mg L−1) and the use of salt resistant rootstocks are recommended to increase tolerance to salt stress in cucumber. These results, for the first time, clearly demonstrated that fig leaf gourd a new highly salt-tolerant rootstock, enhances salt tolerance and improves yield and quality of grafted cucumber plants by reducing sodium transport to the shoot and increasing the amount of compatible osmolytes.

Seaweed-based biostimulants improves quality traits, postharvest disorders, and antioxidant properties of sweet cherry fruit and in response to gibberellic acid treatment

The main aim of this research was to determine whether seaweed-based biostimulants (BIO) have the potential to offset the delaying of fruit maturation and improve fruit quality and antioxidant properties in gibberellic acid (GA3)-treated cherries. Compared to the control, 5 g L−1 BIO applied twice at pit hardening (PH) and straw color (SC) or 3 times at PH, SC, and 1 week before harvest (1WBH) in mid-maturing ‘Bing’ cherries accelerated color development, increased soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, total phenolics (TP), and DPPH radical scavenging activity at harvest. However, these treatments resulted in smaller and softer fruit. For late-maturing ‘Lapins’ cherries, BIO had no effect on fruit coloration, but increased the levels of antioxidants and antioxidant capacity at harvest, especially in 3 applications. Spraying 5 g L−1 BIO 3 times plus a single application of 10 mg L−1 GA3 at PH on ‘Bing’ cherries effectively increased fruit firmness (FF) and size, but showed a strong delaying effect on color development and SSC at harvest, and reduced resistance to disorders after 4 weeks of storage at 0°C if the combination-treated fruit were late harvested. Decreasing GA3 concentration from 10 to 5 mg L−1, increasing BIO concentration from 5 to 10 g L−1, and extending the harvest date by 5 d could impair the delaying effect of GA3 on fruit maturation, restore the normal fruit size, reduce the rates of decay, stem browning (SB), and surface pitting (SP), and maintain high FF and DPPH radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, pre-harvest 3 applications of 10 g L−1 BIO and 5 mg L−1 GA3 once at PH have the potential to curtail the GA3’s inhibition on fruit maturation, extend the harvest window, improve fruit quality, and increase antioxidants and antioxidant capacity in ‘Bing’ cherries.

التأثير المشترك للمحفزات الحيوية ومضادات الاكسدة في الصفات الخضرية والحاصل ومكوناته لفول الصويا

ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out for the year 2022 at Experimental Station A of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/ University of Baghdad/ Al-Jadriyah, located at latitude 33°N and longitude 44°E. The aim of the experiment was to determine the appropriate amount of bio-stimulants and antioxidants to produce the best chemical content of oil with a good protein ratio compared to seed and oil productivity, antioxidant compounds, and oxidative efficiency of soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds. The experiment was conducted according in a factorial arrangement the randomized complete block design (RCBD) for two factors and their interactions with three replication. The first factor included three levels of biostimulants: no spray, humic acid, and folic acid at a concentration of 2 g L-1 for each. The second factor included three levels of antioxidants: no spray, ascorbic acid, and glutathione acid at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 for each. Spraying was applied on vegetative system, first was one month after planting, the second after one month of the first spraying at the formation of branches stage, and the third at the 50% flowering stage. The results showed that bio stimulants had a significant effect on most growth traits, with the treatment of 2 g L-1 humic acid achieving the best results in growth traits, height plant (180.47cm), leaf area (104.15 dm-1), number of branches( 12.44 branch plant-1) ,fresh weight (450.16 g ),dry weight (308.03 g). while the treatment of 2 g L-1 folic acid achieved the best results in seed yield (289.10)g and total yield( 3.08) g . Antioxidants also had an effect on most growth and yield traits, with the spray of 100 mg L-1 ascorbic acid achieving a significant increase in leaf area( 98.01 dm2), while the treatment of 100 mg L-1 glutathione acid outperformed significantly in fresh weight (514.46 g) , dry weight (284.56 g), plant seed yield( 307.50 g plan-1), 100 seed weight(19.47 g ), total yield( 3.28 t ha-1), and oil yield (0.68 t ha-1). The combined effect of the study factors was significant in most growth and yield traits, but the treatment of 2 g L-1humic acid and 100 mg L-1ascorbic acid achieved a significant increase in plant height (148.53 cm), leaf area (110.95 dm-1). While the treatment of 2 g L-1 humic acid and 100 mg L-1Glutathione acid outperformed significantly in the number of branches (13.00 branch plant-), seed yield in the plant (337.80 g), total yield (3.60 g ) , and oil yield (0.99 t h-1). The combined effect of the treatment of 2 g L-1 folic acid and 100 mg L-1 Glutathione acid produced a significant increase in fresh weight (562.10 g) and 100 seed weight (22.00 g).

REDUCING THE HEAT STRESS ON MAIZE DURING SPRING SEASON BY USING SOME BIO STIMULANTS

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of bio stimulators )chitosan and Appetizer( in reducing the heat stress on maize during spring season. Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, Coll. of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadiriya, Iraq, during the seasons of 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Blocks Design within split plot arrangement, with three replicates. Where the main plots included two cultivars of maize )Baghdad3 and cultivar 5018(, while the sub plots included five levels of chitosan and Appetizer:(soaking seeds with Chitosan at a concentration of 100 and 500 mg L-1, and spraying with Chitosan 100 mg L-1, and spraying Appetizer in two and three stages in addition to the two control treatments, which are soaking seeds with distilled water and dry seeds. The results showed that the cultivar 5018 was superiored in grain yield 11.82 and 11.08 Mg ha-1 in both seasons. The treatment of spraying Chitosan gave the highest grain yield 13.26 and 12.94 Mg ha-1, spraying the Appetizer in two stages gave 13.32 and 12.54 Mg ha-1 , and spraying Appetizer in three stages gave 13.70 and 12.97 Mg ha-1 for both seasons. The interaction was significant in most of the studied traits. So we recommend the use of Chitosan spray at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 and Appetizer spray at a concentration of 1.25 ml L-1 in two or three stages to reduce the effect of heat stress on maize planted in the spring season to increase grain yield.

NMR and LC–MS-based metabolomics to investigate the efficacy of a commercial bio stimulant for the treatment of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

IntroductionBio stimulants are substances and/or microorganisms that are used to improve plant growth and crop yields by modulating physiological processes and metabolism of plants. While research has primarily focused on the broad effects of bio stimulants in crops, understanding their cellular and molecular influences in plants, using metabolomic analysis, could elucidate their effectiveness and offer possibilities for fine-tuning their application. One such bio stimulant containing galacturonic acid as elicitor is used in agriculture to improve wheat vigor and strengthen resistance to lodging.ObjectiveHowever, whether a metabolic response is evolved by plants treated with this bio stimulant and the manner in which the latter might regulate plant metabolism have not been studied.MethodTherefore, the present study used 1H-NMR and LC–MS to assess changes in primary and secondary metabolites in the roots, stems, and leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum) treated with the bio stimulant. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis effectively distinguished between treated and control samples, confirming a metabolic response to treatment in the roots, stems, and leaves of wheat.ResultsFold-change analysis indicated that treatment with the bio stimulation solution appeared to increase the levels of hydroxycinnamic acid amides, lignin, and flavonoid metabolism in different plant parts, potentially promoting root growth, implantation, and developmental cell wall maturation and lignification.ConclusionThese results demonstrate how non-targeted metabolomic approaches can be utilized to investigate and monitor the effects of new agroecological solutions based on systemic responses.

Effect of Different Quantities of Bio Stimulant on Chilli Growth, Quality and Yield

A present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli growth, quality and yield” at the central research farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during kharif, 2023-24 with a view to identify the effects of different doses of bio stimulant and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety NS-1701. The experiment was laid in the randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination of different quantities of bio stimulant. The treatment T7 (3.0 L/hac. Amalgerol essence) performed best in terms of plant height (79.68), number of branches (8.53), days to first flower initiation (79.30), number of fruits per plant (122.36), fruit length (7.81), individual fruit weight (2.90gm), fruit yield per plant (258.13gm). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.69 in the same treatment.

Responses of foliar application of low molecular weight derivatives gamma radiated chitosan (Bio stimulator) in sugarcane under irrigated condition in Subtropical India

Responses of foliar application of low molecular weight derivatives gamma radiated chitosan (Bio stimulator) in sugarcane under irrigated condition in Subtropical India

Efficiency of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli (Capsicum annum L.) crop under polyhouse condition

Efficiency of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli (Capsicum annum L.) crop under polyhouse condition

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.

A review: Revealing the important of bio stimulant coated microbeads biofertilizers for improving the effectiveness of inoculant for enhancing the agronomic traits and productivity of crops

The utilization of biofertilizers and inoculants has emerged as a promising strategy in modern agriculture to bolster crop productivity sustainably. However, maximizing the effectiveness of these microbial agents remains a challenge. To address this, biostimulant-coated microbeads biofertilizers have been introduced, aiming to enhance the interaction between microorganisms and plants. These innovative formulations combine biofertilizers with biostimulants, substances that stimulate biological activity in the soil and enhance plant nutrient absorption. Biostimulant-coated microbeads are designed to improve agronomic traits such as root growth, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, ultimately leading to increased crop yields. Various studies have demonstrated the efficacy of biostimulant-coated microbeads in enhancing nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth, and reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. However, several challenges persist in their implementation, including ensuring efficacy and consistency, navigating regulatory frameworks, achieving cost-effectiveness, and promoting awareness among farmers. Addressing these challenges through research, innovation, and education is crucial for the successful integration and widespread adoption of biostimulant-coated microbeads in sustainable agriculture.

Petroleum Hydrocarbons Biodegradation Uncovering the Variety and Capabilities of Oil-Oxidizing Microbes

The biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons is a valuable process used to reduce the ecological influences of oil spills and pollution. This comprehensive review immerses readers in the sophisticated universe of oil-oxidizing organisms, the diversity and functionality of which are unveiled. By examining different bacterial groups, such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, archaea, and algae, the study shows enzymatic and metabolic processes exploited during biodegradation. Environmental factors, substrate characteristics, and microbial interactions are the main determinants that contribute to the good performance of the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The effectiveness of various biotechnological strategies like in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation, bioaugmentation, and bio stimulation is being tested to determine their ability to embrace the microbial capabilities for environmental restoration.

Effect of plant bio stimulant application on plant health, growth, fruit yield and quality of apple (Malus x domestica) under temperate conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Effect of plant bio stimulant application on plant health, growth, fruit yield and quality of apple (Malus x domestica) under temperate conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Characteristic microbiome and synergistic mechanism by engineering agent MAB-1 to evaluate oil-contaminated soil biodegradation in different layer soil.

Bioremediation is a sustainable and pollution-free technology for crude oil-contaminated soil. However, most studies are limited to the remediation of shallow crude oil-contaminated soil, while ignoring the deeper soil. Here, a high-efficiency composite microbial agent MAB-1 was provided containing Bacillus (naphthalene and pyrene), Acinetobacter (cyclohexane), and Microbacterium (xylene) to be synergism degradation of crude oil components combined with other treatments. According to the crude oil degradation rate, the up-layer (63.64%), middle-layer (50.84%), and underlying-layer (54.21%) crude oil-contaminated soil are suitable for bioaugmentation (BA), biostimulation (BS), and biostimulation+bioventing (BS+BV), respectively. Combined with GC-MS and carbon number distribution analysis, under the optimal biotreatment, the degradation rates of 2-ring and 3-ring PAHs in layers soil were about 70% and 45%, respectively, and the medium and long-chain alkanes were reduced during the remediation. More importantly, the relative abundance of bacteria associated with crude oil degradation increased in each layer after the optimal treatment, such as Microbacterium (2.10-14%), Bacillus (2.56-12.1%), and Acinetobacter (0.95-12.15%) in the up-layer soil; Rhodococcus (1.5-6.9%) in the middle-layer soil; and Pseudomonas (3-5.4%) and Rhodococcus (1.3-13.2%) in the underlying-layer soil. Our evaluation results demonstrated that crude oil removal can be accelerated by adopting appropriate bioremediation approach for different depths of soil, providing a new perspective for the remediation of actual crude oil-contaminated sites.

Management of excessive soil H+ ion induced toxicities by application of organic seaweed amendment enhances photosynthesis and resource use efficiencies in rice (Oryza sativa)

Globally, soil acidification is a serious environmental issue that reduces commercial agricultural production. Rice is subjected to nutritional stress due to acidic soil, which is a major impediment to rice production. Since acid soil threatens rice plants with soil compaction, nutrient loss, and plant stress-induced oxidative cell damage that results in affecting the photosynthetic system, restricting the availability of water, and reducing overall plant growth and productivity. Since contemporary soil acidification management strategies provide mediocre results, the use of Sargassum wightii seaweed-based biostimulants (BS) and soil amendments is sought as an environmentally friendly alternative strategy, and therefore its potential isevaluated in this study. BS was able to mediate soil quality by improving soil pH and structure along with facilitating nitrogen phytoavailability. BS also increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme system, superoxide dismutase ((48%), peroxidase (76.6%), and ascorbate peroxidase (63.5%), aggregating the monaldehyde-mediating accumulation of osmoprotective proline in roots, that was evident from rapid initiation of root hair growth in treated seedlings. BS was also able to physiologically modulate photosynthetic activities and chlorophyll production (24.31%) in leaves, maintaining the efficiency of plant water use by regulating the stomatal conductance (0.91 mol/m/s) and the transpiration rate (13.2 mM/m/s). The BS compounds were also successful in facilitating nitrogen uptake resulting in improved plant growth (59%), tiller-panicle number, and yield (52.57%), demonstrating a resourceful nitrogen use efficiency (71.96%) previously affected by stress induced by acid soil. Therefore, the study affirms the competent potential of S. wightii-based soil amendment to be applied not only to improve soil quality, but also to increase plant production and yield.

Efficacy of growth regulators and biostimulants on growth, yield and quality of Celosia cristata var. Chief Fire

Studies on the effect of growth regulators and bio stimulants on growth, yield, and quality of Celosia cristata var. Chief Fire were carried out at the experimental field of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka during the year 2022-2023. Nine treatments of growth regulators, bio stimulants and their combinations were taken for the study viz T1 - Water spray (control), T2 - NAA @ 100 ppm, T3 - GA3 @ 100 ppm, T4 - Kinetin @ 50 ppm, T5 - Humic acid 1%, T6 - Biovita 1%, T7 - NAA @ 100 ppm + GA3 @ 100 ppm + Kinetin @ 50 ppm T8 - Biovita 1% + Humic acid 1% and T9 - NAA @ 100 ppm + GA3 @ 100 ppm + Kinetin @ 50 ppm + Biovita 1% + Humic acid 1 %. Growth regulators, bio stimulants and their combinations were sprayed twice (sprayed at 30 and 45 days after transplanting). The results revealed that among the growth regulators, biostimulant and their combination treatments, the treatment receiving the combination of bio stimulants Biovita 1% + Humic acid 1 % showed maximum plant height (30.66 and 60.00 cm), number of branches (6.62 and 13.33), number of leaves (50.67 and 100.33), leaf area (48.17 and 87.74 cm2 ) leaf area index (0.035 and 0.065). While minimum number of days for first flowering and 50% flowering (28.83 and 33.84 days), number of spikes per plant (14.66), weight of single spike (83.00 g) and vase life (8.81 days). However, the minimum values for all the parameters were recorded in the control. Thereby, Biovita 1% + Humic acid 1% showed potential for improving the growth, yield and quality parameters of Celosia cristata var. Chief Fire.