Effect of biostimulant raw materials on soybean (Glycine max) crop, when applied alone or in combination with herbicides

Abstract

IntroductionBiostimulants exert positive functions in plants, improving yield and quality, and alleviating the negative effects of abiotic stresses. Among them, the application of herbicides may cause damage to nontarget plants. At present, limited information is available regarding the interaction between biostimulants and herbicides.MethodsThe purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of an herbicide’s mixture (Harmony® 50 SX® + Tuareg® + Zetrola®), used in combination with several biostimulant raw materials (BRM), on the agronomic and physiologic characteristics of soybean. The experiments were conducted in two seasons, 2020 and 2021, applying the herbicides mixture alone or associated with 10 BRM.ResultsDifferences emerged between the two years, considering nitrate, total sugars concentration, flavonol, and chlorophyll a fluorescence-related parameters. Chlorophyll content significantly declined (−45% in 2020) in plants treated with the herbicides mixture alone but, in combination with potassium silicate, the chlorophyll values were restored to control levels. The same positive effect observed in response to the combination of potassium silicate and the herbicide mixture has been confirmed in the second year of experiment. At the same time, chlorophyll content and Nitrogen Index were positively increased (up to 8% and 30%, respectively) depending on the application of some BRM and the year. A significant effect of biostimulants on yield was confirmed by the application of Ascophyllum nodosum (+16%) and humic acids (+7%), in 2020. However, the combined use with the herbicides nullifies the increase. DiscussionThe results obtained from these experiments support the use of biostimulants in improving specific quality traits (chlorophyll content, leaves nitrogen status, and secondary metabolites accumulation). At the same time, the potential use of biostimulants in combination with herbicides needs to be further explored since of external factors (environment, year…) still have a strong effect on their efficacy.

Laboratory Safety Evaluation and Weed Control Potential of Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides for Quinoa

“…The experimental design utilized by Franzoni et al for soybean crops [26], which included the application of biostimulants alongside herbicides, provides a valuable framework that could be adapted for future quinoa field trials. As demonstrated by Imran and Amanullah [27], the combined application of pre-and post-emergence herbicides showed promising weed control in maize, which may also guide weed management strategies in quinoa systems.…”

Foliar application of various biostimulants produces contrasting response on yield, essential oil and chemical properties of organically grown sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

“…At the same time, biostimulants may contribute to a decrease in the number of agricultural inputs used, which would lower production costs ( Bulgari et al., 2015 ; Del Buono, 2021 ; Shahrajabian et al., 2021 ). Studies conducted in many nations ( Rouphael et al., 2017 ; Popko et al., 2018 ; Elansary et al., 2019 ; Rahimi et al., 2022 ; Di Miceli et al., 2023 ; Franzoni et al., 2023 ); demonstrate the positive effects of biostimulants on yield and the quality traits of open-field and greenhouse crops. However, studies concerning the effect of the foliar application of biostimulants on the productive and qualitative parameters, and on the EO profile of cultivated sage are lacking.…”