Summary of Biostimulant – The Action of Plant Protein Hydrolysates, Plant Extracts and Trichoderma atroviride Modulates the Performance of Cherry Tomato Plants Cultivated in a Soilless System
Biostimulant Effects on Cherry Tomato in Soilless Cultivation
Biostimulant Effects on Cherry Tomato are essential for improving yield and fruit quality in modern greenhouse systems. In this study, we assessed how microbial and nonmicrobial biostimulants, alone or combined, affect growth, yield, and quality. The work was carried out within the SO.MI.PR.O.N regional project. We tested a plant-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), a tropical plant extract (PE), and a microbial biostimulant based on Trichoderma atroviride (Tricho). Plants of Solanum lycopersicum L. were cultivated in a protected soilless environment.
Synergistic Biostimulant Effects on Cherry Tomato Yield
Compared with controls, every treatment containing Trichoderma atroviride (Tricho+PH, Tricho+PE, and Tricho+PE+PH) increased marketable yield. Moreover, the triple combination delivered the strongest synergistic effect. In addition, it improved several quality traits, including lycopene content, total polyphenols, and total soluble solids. These results confirm the potential of targeted biostimulant integration.
Enhancing Tomato Growth with Microbial and Nonmicrobial Inputs
The data highlight the benefits of combining microbial and nonmicrobial sources. While the mechanisms remain complex, evidence shows that these blends can optimize plant performance. Furthermore, soilless systems offer a controlled setting to fully exploit these benefits. Therefore, growers can consider such strategies to improve both productivity and nutritional quality.
Economic and Sustainability Perspectives on Biostimulant Use
Although the agronomic impact is evident, the economic feasibility still needs evaluation. Costs must be weighed against potential market returns. Notably, sustainable agriculture also depends on resource efficiency and environmental care. As a result, Biostimulant Effects on Cherry Tomato could become a model for profitable and eco-friendly production systems.
Publication: Horticulturae
