Effect of elicitors and biostimulants on the content of bioactive compounds in raspberry fruits

Abstract

Raspberry has acquired great interest in human health due to its content of bioactive compounds that provide protection against diseases caused by non-communicable diseases. Bioactive compounds are mainly represented by secondary metabolites such as phenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Biostimulants and elicitors are substances or microorganisms that provide protection and defence to the physiological processes of plants. The present study evaluated the effect of two elicitors (hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid) and three biostimulants (humic and fulvic acids, glutamic acid, seaweed extracts) on the content of bioactive compounds in raspberry fruits, agronomic and fruit yield parameters in plants. Hydrogen peroxide increased the content of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, omega 3 and oleic acid. Salicylic acid increased the content of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and citric acid in raspberry fruits; the number of fruit loaders and fruits per plant was also increased. Humic and fulvic acids, glutamic acid, and glutamic acid combined with seaweed extracts increased the content of flavonoids and anthocyanins, without affecting growth parameters and fruit yield. Glutamic acid and seaweed extracts were the only treatments that increased the content of palmitic acid, while seaweed extracts increased °Brix content in fruits.