Improvement of growth and productivity in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop by using biostimulants

Abstract

In Colombia, potato cultivation has significant social and economic importance for the population; however, rising input costs and low yields have led to a decline in the areas planted in the country. Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that can enhance yield by improving the physiological processes of the plants. In Colombia, there are few studies evaluating their efficiency on potato productivity. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess the effect of biostimulant applications on the growth and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety ‘CIP 39’ under the conditions of the municipality of Paipa, Boyacá department. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments corresponding to commercially registered biostimulants with an active hormonal ingredient, seaweed extract (SWE), or carboxylic acids, and a control. Variables such as fresh and dry weight of roots, shoots, and total biomass, leaf area index (LAI), yield by quality, and total yield were evaluated. The application of biostimulants resulted in improved physiological response of the plants. The SWE-based biostimulant exhibited a better balance in terms of fresh and dry biomass, as well as in LAI, leading to a significant increase in quality and yield. This indicates that the application of biostimulants can be an alternative to increase productivity in this production system.