Summary: This study investigates the biostimulant effects of a plant-derived protein hydrolysate on various crops through a series of laboratory bioassays and greenhouse experiments. The key findings from the experiments are as follows:
Experiment 1 (Corn Coleoptile Elongation Test):
– The application of the protein hydrolysate resulted in an increased coleoptile elongation rate in corn (Zea mays L.) in a dose-dependent manner.
– There were no significant differences between the effects of 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 ml/L concentrations of the hydrolysate and indole-3-acetic acid treatment, suggesting an auxin-like effect.
Experiment 2 (Tomato Rooting Test):
– The protein hydrolysate demonstrated an auxin-like effect, significantly enhancing rooting in tomato cuttings (Solanum lycopersicum L.).
– Specifically, at a concentration of 6 ml/L, the treated tomato plants showed increases in shoot dry weight (21%), root dry weight (35%), root length (24%), and root area (26%) compared to untreated plants.
Experiment 3 (Dwarf Pea Growth Test):
– Application of the protein hydrolysate across all doses (0.375, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 ml/L) resulted in a significant increase in shoot length of gibberellin-deficient dwarf pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) by an average of 33% compared to the control.
Experiment 4 (Tomato Nitrogen Uptake Test):
– Increasing the concentration of the protein hydrolysate from 0 to 10 ml/L led to improvements in total dry biomass (20.5%), SPAD index (15%), and leaf nitrogen content (21.5%) in tomato plants, indicating enhanced nitrogen uptake.
Conclusion:
The plant-derived protein hydrolysate exhibited hormone-like activity, promoted nitrogen uptake, and improved crop performance across the tested plants. This suggests its potential as an effective biostimulant for enhancing agricultural productivity.
Publication: Frontiers in Plant Science
