Summary of Single or Blended Application of Non-Microbial Plant-Based Biostimulants and Trichoderma atroviride as a New Strategy to Enhance Greenhouse Cherry Tomato Performance
Boost Cherry Tomato Yield with Smart Biostimulant Combinations
Boosting crop yield and sustainability is driving innovation in natural plant biostimulants. While many studies test single products, few explore the power of combining them to Boost Cherry Tomato Yield. This research, conducted under the SO.MI.PR.O.N project, set out to investigate exactly that potential.
Testing Three Powerful Biostimulants: The study examined three biostimulants on ‘Creativo’ F1 cherry tomato plants: a tropical plant extract (PE), a vegetal protein hydrolysate (PH), and the beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride. Trials were carried out over two growing seasons, 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, to ensure reliable results.
The Winning Formula for Maximum Yield: The standout treatment was the triple combination Tricho + PE + PH. This blend increased fresh shoot biomass by 64.2% compared to untreated plants. Total fruit production rose by 37.9%, while marketable yield climbed by 52.9%. Marketable fruits were also 53.1% heavier on average. These improvements clearly show how targeted biostimulant use can boost cherry tomato yield and market quality simultaneously.
Enhancing Quality and Taste: Beyond quantity, the biostimulants improved key quality traits such as firmness, sweetness (total soluble solids), vitamin C content, lycopene concentration, and polyphenol levels. Trichoderma atroviride emerged as a strong driver of quality improvements. The combinations PE + PH, Tricho + PE, and Tricho + PH were particularly effective for taste and nutritional value.
Economic Insights for Growers: Interestingly, when focusing solely on profitability, PE alone delivered the highest net return. However, for growers aiming for a balance of high yield, premium quality, and strong market value, combined biostimulant strategies proved most effective.
Biostimulants for Better Tomatoes: This study confirms that strategic biostimulant combinations can deliver sustainable, high-quality tomato production. By integrating the right products, farmers can Boost Cherry Tomato Yield, enhance flavor, and maximize profitability—all in an eco-friendly way.
Publication: Plants
