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Biostimulants for Resilient Agriculture: A Preliminary Assessment in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Leogrande

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Via C. Ulpiani 5, I-70125 Bari, Italy)

  • Daniel El Chami

    (TIMAC AGRO Italia S.p.A., S.P.13, Località Ca’ Nova, I-26010 Ripalta Arpina, Italy)

  • Giulio Fumarola

    (Centre for Research, Experimentation and Training in Agriculture Basile Caramia (CRSFA), I-70010 Locorotondo, Italy)

  • Michele Di Carolo

    (Centre for Research, Experimentation and Training in Agriculture Basile Caramia (CRSFA), I-70010 Locorotondo, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Piegari

    (TIMAC AGRO Italia S.p.A., S.P.13, Località Ca’ Nova, I-26010 Ripalta Arpina, Italy)

  • Mario Elefante

    (TIMAC AGRO Italia S.p.A., S.P.13, Località Ca’ Nova, I-26010 Ripalta Arpina, Italy)

  • Donato Perrelli

    (Centre for Research, Experimentation and Training in Agriculture Basile Caramia (CRSFA), I-70010 Locorotondo, Italy)

  • Crescenza Dongiovanni

    (Centre for Research, Experimentation and Training in Agriculture Basile Caramia (CRSFA), I-70010 Locorotondo, Italy)

Abstract

In agriculture, plant biostimulants have become necessary to meet the United Nations sustainable development goals (UN-SDGs) and advance the European Green Deal. In particular, seaweed-based biostimulants have received a greater acceptance for their several benefits in crop growth and yield. In this study, we evaluated the effects of foliar applications of a vegetable- and brown-algae-based extract ( Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. on grapes ( Vitis vinifera L. cv. Montepulciano) and olives ( Olea europaea L. cv. Coratina) and its agronomic performance in two field experiments in the Apulia region, which is known for its modern agricultural sector. The results highlight that the crop responses differ in grape and olive orchards. The biostimulant application determined significant increases in bunch development (+9.5%) and bunch weight (+10%) compared to the untreated control. In the olive orchard, the yield was not significantly influenced by biostimulant application, whereas we observed quality improvement in the olive oil of the treated plants compared to the control. To better understand the mechanisms behind this difference, the research concludes by suggesting that further research pursues in-depth studies and high scientific and technical proficiency to determine and optimise the rates and timing of applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Leogrande & Daniel El Chami & Giulio Fumarola & Michele Di Carolo & Giuseppe Piegari & Mario Elefante & Donato Perrelli & Crescenza Dongiovanni, 2022. "Biostimulants for Resilient Agriculture: A Preliminary Assessment in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:6816-:d:830475
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Leen Almadi & Andrea Paoletti & Nicola Cinosi & Elissa Daher & Adolfo Rosati & Claudio Di Vaio & Franco Famiani, 2020. "A Biostimulant Based on Protein Hydrolysates Promotes the Growth of Young Olive Trees," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Daniel El Chami & André Daccache & Maroun El Moujabber, 2020. "How Can Sustainable Agriculture Increase Climate Resilience? A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-23, April.
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    1. Aurora Cirillo & Lucia De Luca & Giulia Graziani & Marco Cepparulo & Christophe El-Nakhel & Maria Giordano & Youssef Rouphael & Alberto Ritieni & Raffaele Romano & Claudio Di Vaio, 2022. "Biostimulants Application on Olea europaea L. in Mediterranean Conditions Increase the Production and Bioactive Compounds of Drupes and Oil," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-17, December.

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