Effect of biostimulants on growth and nutritional status of tobacco seedlings

Radka Bozhinova

Abstract: The effects of microbial inoculants Europlus® (Italy), Micotric L® (Italy) and protein hydrolysate Trainer® (Italy) on the growth and mineral composition of tobacco seedlings were studied in field experiment set on Rendzic Leptosol in 2020 - 2021. The experimental design was a randomized complete block replicated three times. Microbial products Micotric L and Europlus resulted in higher fresh weight (by 17% - 22%) and dry weight (by 14%-18%) of the seedlings compared to manure treatment. The application of protein hydrolysate Trainer increased the fresh and dry weight biomass by 15% and 12%, respectively. Concentrations of N in tobacco seedlings were increased by 11% - 13% when inoculated with microbial-based bio stimulants Micotric L and Europlus in comparison with the manure treatment. This was associated with an improvement in P concentrations (+12% - 23%), and K concentrations (+4% - 6%) in seedlings. The concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu were slightly higher in mycorrhizal than in non-mycorrhizal tobacco seedlings. The addition of protein hydrolysate Trainer increased nitrogen concentration in seedlings by 8%. Microbial inoculants Micotric L and Europlus and the protein hydrolysate Trainer have a positive effect on the growth characteristics and mineral composition of tobacco seedlings and they can be used successfully in the eco-friendly technologies for tobacco seedling production.

Keywords: growth; macroelemens; microbial inoculants; microelemens; protein hydrolysate; tobacco

Date published: 2022-04-21