Summary of Copper boosts the biostimulant activity of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate in basil: morpho-physiological and metabolomics insights
How Copper Enhances Biostimulant Activity in Basil
Genovese basil growth and yield are strongly influenced by micronutrient availability and biostimulant application. Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient and plant protection agent, but its low bioavailability in soil can limit plant development. To address this, a study evaluated the effects of vegetal protein hydrolysate (VPH), free Cu, Cu complexed with vegetal peptides and amino acids (Cu-VPH), and their combination (VPH+Cu-VPH) under protected cultivation conditions. The results demonstrate that Copper Boosts Biostimulant Effects while improving overall plant growth and productivity.
Yield and Photosynthetic Performance – Copper Enhances Biostimulant Activity
The combined application of VPH+Cu-VPH significantly increased fresh yield by 16.3% compared to control and Cu-only treatments. Photosynthetic efficiency improved, with ACO2 and Fv/Fm increasing by 29% and 7%, respectively. These results show that copper can enhance biostimulant activity, improving photosynthesis and overall plant performance.
Enhanced Mineral Uptake through Copper Improves Biostimulant Performance
Mineral analysis revealed that Cu and Cu-VPH treatments increased Cu content in plant tissues, while VPH+Cu-VPH also elevated Mg, Mn, Ca, and Fe by 23%, 21%, 25%, and 32%, supporting chlorophyll synthesis, water splitting, and photosynthetic electron transport. This demonstrates that copper improves biostimulant performance by enhancing nutrient assimilation and plant vigor.
Phytochemical Modulation and Stress Mitigation
Untargeted metabolomics showed that Cu treatment alone led to accumulation of alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids, indicating oxidative stress. In contrast, Cu-VPH and VPH+Cu-VPH reduced stress-related metabolites, mitigating oxidative stress and promoting healthier plant development.
Conclusion: Copper Boosts Biostimulant Effects in Basil
Combining Cu and VPH demonstrates that Copper Boosts Biostimulant Effects, optimizing basil agronomic performance. This synergy enhances nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and phytochemical composition, offering a sustainable approach to increase both yield and quality in Genovese basil cultivation.
Publication: Frontiers in Plant Science
