Summary of Effects of a protein hydrolysate-based biostimulant and two micronutrient based fertilizers on plant growth and epiphytic bacterial population of lettuce.
Protein Hydrolysate Biostimulant on Lettuce: Improving Growth and Microbial Balance
Recent research indicates that applying a Protein Hydrolysate Biostimulant on Lettuce can boost crop productivity and enhance tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. Organic compounds derived from plants, including protein hydrolysates, are effective at promoting growth and supporting overall plant health.
Foliar Treatments with Plant-Derived Biostimulants
This study examined the effects of foliar biostimulant applications, including a protein hydrolysate-based product (“Trainer”), a micronutrient fertilizer with plant extracts (“Auxym”), and a copper-peptide-amino acid fertilizer (“Scudo”), on lettuce leaf-associated bacterial communities. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, such as Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP), were employed to evaluate microbial diversity.
Modulation of Leaf Microbiome and Plant Growth
Results showed that these protein hydrolysate treatments on lettuce influenced the composition of leaf-associated bacterial populations. Specific bacteria were promoted, exhibiting plant growth-promoting traits like indole acetic acid production and phosphate solubilization. Some microbes also demonstrated biocontrol potential against pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Erwinia amylovora, supporting plant health beyond growth enhancement.
Supporting Sustainable Lettuce Cultivation
Integrating plant-derived biostimulants with micronutrient fertilizers offers a sustainable approach to improving crop performance while maintaining a healthy microbial ecosystem. This strategy enhances yield, increases stress resilience, and supports beneficial phyllosphere communities.
By combining growth promotion with microbial benefits, protein hydrolysate treatment on lettuce is an effective tool for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.
Publication: Acta Horticulturae
