Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a commercial plant-derived protein hydrolysate, called ‘Trainer’, to enhance the growth and nitrogen uptake of maize and lettuce in a floating system using both full strength and reduced nutrient solution concentrations.
In Experiment 1, ‘Trainer’ was applied to maize roots at varying concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 2.5 ml L-1). Experiment 2 focused on foliar applications of ‘Trainer’ at two concentrations (0 and 2.5 ml L-1) on maize and lettuce grown in nutrient solutions at reduced concentrations (10% of standard solution).
Results from Experiment 1 showed that increasing ‘Trainer’ concentration from 0 to 2.5 ml L-1 significantly enhanced maize growth parameters including plant height, shoot dry biomass, SPAD index, and leaf nitrogen content. However, it led to a decrease in the root-to-shoot ratio.
In Experiment 2, where a reduced nutrient solution concentration was employed, weekly foliar applications of ‘Trainer’ at 2.5 ml L-1 significantly increased the fresh weight biomass, SPAD index, and leaf nitrogen content of lettuce by 50%, 11%, and 11%, respectively.
These findings suggest that the application of biostimulants like ‘Trainer’ could be a promising strategy to improve the growth and yields of valuable crops, such as maize and lettuce, particularly under conditions of reduced nutrient availability. Additionally, this approach may offer environmental benefits by reducing the overall impact on the environment.
Publication: Acta Horticulturae
