Summary: This study explored the impact of three plant biostimulants (PBs)—a legume-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), an extract from the seaweed Ecklonia maxima, and a mixture of vegetal oils and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts—on the productivity, leaf colorimetry, mineral content, and bioactive compound levels in greenhouse-grown spinach.
The use of plant biostimulants like protein hydrolysates and seaweed extracts can significantly enhance both the yield and nutritional quality of spinach. These PBs promote better chlorophyll biosynthesis, increase bioactive compounds, and improve mineral profiles without undesirable nitrate accumulation. This study’s findings support the adoption of PBs by vegetable farmers and the agro-food industry as sustainable tools to achieve high crop productivity with enhanced functional quality.
Publication: Agronomy
