Summary of Plant-Based Biostimulants Influence the Agronomical, Physiological, and Qualitative Responses of Baby Rocket Leaves under Diverse Nitrogen Conditions
Biostimulants Boost Baby Rocket: Enhancing Growth and Leaf Quality under Varying Nitrogen Levels
Nitrogen plays a crucial role in food production, but excessive application can negatively affect the environment and the quality of leafy vegetables, such as baby rocket. Fortunately, biostimulants boost baby rocket growth and present a sustainable alternative to high nitrogen fertilization. In this study, we evaluated legume-derived protein hydrolysate (LDPH) and tropical plant extract (TPE) applied with different nitrogen doses (0, 60, 80, 100 kg ha⁻¹) to improve yield and leaf quality while keeping nitrate levels within safe limits.
How Biostimulants Improve Baby Rocket Growth
Both vegetal-based biostimulants clearly enhanced plant growth and marketable yield. For example, at sub-optimal nitrogen (N1) and non-fertilized conditions (N0), treated plants showed yield increases of 28.2% and 38.2%, respectively, compared to untreated controls. Moreover, these treatments improved the SPAD index and increased leaf pigments, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, especially in LDPH-treated rocket. As a result, growers can achieve better growth even when reducing nitrogen inputs.
Enhancing Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activity
In addition, plant biostimulants increased lipophilic antioxidant activity by 48% and doubled total ascorbic acid content on average, particularly under low nitrogen levels. Importantly, nitrate accumulation remained below European Commission limits. Therefore, using biostimulants boost baby rocket not only enhances growth but also improves nutritional quality and safety.
Reducing Nitrogen While Maintaining Performance
By integrating plant biostimulants into crop management, farmers can reduce nitrogen fertilizer use without sacrificing yield or leaf quality. Furthermore, these sustainable solutions support environmentally friendly practices and meet consumer demand for nutritious leafy vegetables. In summary, biostimulants boost baby rocket effectively under various nitrogen conditions, offering both agronomic and nutritional benefits.
Publication: Plants
