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Assessing the Biostimulant Effects of a Novel Plant-Based Formulation on Tomato Crop

Author

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  • Antonios Chrysargyris

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Savvas Charalambous

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Panayiota Xylia

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Vassilis Litskas

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Menelaos Stavrinides

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

  • Nikos Tzortzakis

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the biostimulant effects of an eco-product (EP) containing essential oils of rosemary and eucalyptus on tomato crop. Experiments were conducted to evaluate EP effects on plant growth and physiological parameters (e.g., chlorophyll content), total phenols and antioxidant activity, enzyme activities (e.g., catalase), plant macronutrient content and fresh tomato fruit quality. The application of an EP once (EP-1x) increased tomato plant height by 19%, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content compared to the control (sprayed with water). EP triplicate (EP-3x) application significantly increased yield (0.79 kg plant −1 ) compared to the control (0.58 kg plant −1 ). However, application of EP-3x was associated with a higher percentage of fruit cracking in comparison to the control. Total phenols and antioxidant activity were affected from both the use of EP and application frequency. EP application decreased by 27.3% the leaf damage index in comparison to the control. Nutrient content in leaves (N, Mg) was significantly decreased in the case of EP-3x treatment. Fruit firmness was decreased by 19.9% in the case of EP-1x application. Fruit marketability and tomato-like aroma, fresh weight and soluble solids did not differ among the treatments. Further research is required to examine the potential use of essential oils as biostimulants.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonios Chrysargyris & Savvas Charalambous & Panayiota Xylia & Vassilis Litskas & Menelaos Stavrinides & Nikos Tzortzakis, 2020. "Assessing the Biostimulant Effects of a Novel Plant-Based Formulation on Tomato Crop," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:20:p:8432-:d:427248
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Antonios Chrysargyris & Panayiota Xylia & Gorkem Akinci & Konstantinos Moustakas & Nikolaos Tzortzakis, 2020. "Printed Paper Waste as an Alternative Growing Medium Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings under Nursery Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Nikolaos Tzortzakis & Christos Saridakis & Antonios Chrysargyris, 2020. "Treated Wastewater and Fertigation Applied for Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation Grown in Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Soil Mixtures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Sara Rajabi Hamedani & Youssef Rouphael & Giuseppe Colla & Andrea Colantoni & Mariateresa Cardarelli, 2020. "Biostimulants as a Tool for Improving Environmental Sustainability of Greenhouse Vegetable Crops," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-10, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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