Summary of Seed treatment with endophytic fungi enhances yield and nutritional quality of seed-propagated artichokes
Modern agriculture faces growing challenges due to climate change, soil degradation, and environmental pressures. To address these issues, sustainable farming practices are becoming increasingly important. Among them, biostimulants can significantly enhance the growth and quality of rocket plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers while supporting plant health.
In our greenhouse study, rocket plants were treated with two types of biostimulants—protein hydrolysates and tropical plant extracts—applied individually or in combination. The treatments improved both growth and yield. On average, treated plants showed a 48.1% increase in total yield and a 37.2% rise in dry biomass compared to untreated controls.
Beyond quantity, biostimulants enriched the nutritional profile of rocket. Treated plants had higher chlorophyll levels and increased K, Mg, and Ca content. When applied in combination, biostimulants produced synergistic effects, particularly enhancing total ascorbic acid levels, demonstrating their role in boosting both the health and quality of perennial leafy greens.
These eco-friendly products act as natural plant growth enhancers, stimulating metabolism, improving nutrient uptake, and promoting stress resilience. For growers, such applications offer higher profitability due to increased yield and superior product quality, while also contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.
Overall, biostimulants boost perennial rocket effectively, offering a green solution to modern agricultural challenges. By integrating biostimulant treatments into crop management, farmers can improve crop performance, support environmental sustainability, and deliver better-quality leafy greens to the market.
Publication: Plants
