Summary of Seed treatment with endophytic fungi enhances yield and nutritional quality of seed-propagated artichokes
Biostimulants Boost Artichoke Yield: Enhancing Productivity and Quality
The new trend in modern horticulture emphasizes beneficial soil microorganisms. Biostimulants boost artichoke yield by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while simultaneously improving crop performance and resilience to abiotic stressors. These microorganisms actively support plant growth by enhancing nutrient uptake, stimulating root development, and modulating stress responses. As a result, growers can achieve higher productivity with fewer chemical inputs, which is both economically and environmentally beneficial.
Role of Microbial-Plant Biostimulants in Artichoke Cultivation
Microbial-plant biostimulants (PBs) are increasingly used to enhance the productivity of important vegetable crops, including globe artichoke. They not only increase yield but also improve head quality in terms of shape, color, and nutritional content. Furthermore, biostimulants help plants adapt to environmental fluctuations such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. By supporting the plant’s natural defense mechanisms, PBs ensure consistent quality and stability in artichoke production.
Seed Treatment with Endophytic Fungi
Recent studies show that seed treatment with endophytic fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma koningii, positively affects artichoke cultivars ‘Romolo’ and ‘Istar’. Consequently, biostimulants boost artichoke yield by elevating primary and total marketable yields. Moreover, treated plants demonstrate higher antioxidant activity and total polyphenols compared to untreated controls. This indicates that biostimulants not only enhance quantity but also contribute to superior nutritional and functional quality.
Advantages for Crop Quality and Sustainability
Importantly, microbial inoculants improve both organoleptic and bioactive quality attributes of artichoke heads. Therefore, integrating endophytic fungi as biostimulants represents a sustainable and effective strategy to increase yield and nutritional quality. Additionally, using biostimulants supports environmentally friendly cultivation practices by reducing chemical inputs, promoting soil health, and enhancing crop resilience.
In conclusion, seed treatment with microbial biostimulants provides a valuable biotechnological tool for globe artichoke hybrids, supporting higher productivity, enhanced head quality, and more sustainable cultivation practices. By adopting these approaches, growers can achieve both economic and ecological benefits while meeting the growing demand for high-quality vegetables.
Publication: Acta Horticulturae
